After serving a 5-year ban for spot-fixing scandal in England, Salman Butt gets a green light to resume playing domestic cricket from his country’s governing body, Pakistan Cricket Board.
Salman Butt is thankful to the PCB for granting him permission to continue working towards his passion – cricket. In September this year, international Cricket Council (ICC) cleared the ban on the trio, hence allowing them to return to the international circuit after their punishment term expired.
Even though ICC cleared them to play International games, PCB remained firmed that they should serve a period of rehabilitation if they wanted to return to the domestic circuit, primarily. Salman Butt is now eagerly looking forward to taking part in the domestic one-day cup in Pakistan.
“I am glad and relieved to have reached this stage and am thankful to the Almighty for this second chance,” Butt told PakPassion.net. “I cannot thank the PCB enough for allowing me this opportunity and I am now looking forward to the next year where I can once again start playing the game I love.”
Butt promises that he won’t disappoint in his second chance as the 31-year old is confident of performing at all levels of cricket if given the opportunity to do so.
“I can only thank the Almighty that the desire and hunger to play the game I love is very much alive in me and by the grace of God, the results will also be great.
“I strongly believe that I can still do well at any level of cricket,” he said. “All I need is an opportunity and I will make sure I don’t disappoint anyone.”
In spite of being away from the game of five years, Salman Butt may face issues regarding his fitness but the opening batsman feels he has been able to remain fit and is hopeful that one day he’ll play for the Pakistan team but till then, he’ll keep helping his team win matches in the domestic circuit.
“I’m fit and have been able to keep my fitness going through these five years.
“However, I do know that no amount of gym fitness can prepare you for the road ahead and I’m very thankful to WAPDA for backing me and giving me the opportunity to perform and I hope and pray that I can help them win domestic competitions.”
Talking about the thousands of fans he betrayed and cheated on, he said, “I will be offering my apologies to them when I see them.”
After his match-fixing scandal broke out to the general public, his fans would have lost all trust on him. The opening batsman will have to win the trust of the Pakistan cricket fans yet again when he makes a comeback.
“I will try and convince them that despite all that has happened in the past, I still have a good character and God willing, I will do my utmost to once again win the hearts of Pakistan fans.
“I believe that everyone who repents and intends to do good in future deserves a second chance.
“That is all I want.”
In his international career for Pakistan Butt has played 33 Tests, 78 One-Day Internationals and 24 Twenty20 Internationals between 2003 and 2010.