I have been successfully performing, it's up to the selectors to pick me now, says Salman Butt
Tainted Pakistani batsman Salman Butt has stated that it's up to the selectors to pick him once again for the national team, after having performed exceedingly well in the domestic circuit. The 34-year-old last represented Pakistan way back in 2010 against England, prior to the spot-fixing scandal.
It is fair to say that nothing has ever rocked Cricket in the 21st century more than the spot-fixing scandal that was unravelled back in 2010. The Pakistani trio of Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt, and Mohammad Asif were found guilty of spot-fixing, and were exposed publicly by the media outlet "News of the World".Â
The trio has since done their time and served their suspension, and while Amir has successfully re-integrated back into the team, it hasn't been the same case for Butt. Almost a decade into the aftermath of the incident, Butt is still hoping for a call from the national selectors, and in his quest to get back to the team, has piled up heaps of runs in the domestic circuit.
Although it has been to no avail as of now, the opener believes that the ball is now on the selectors' court to take a call on his selection after having proved himself in the opportunities he's gotten in the domestic matches. “I have been playing cricket continuously and in a good form while my domestic track record clearly indicates about my fitness and performances. My job is to perform, which I have been successfully doing while rest is on the PCB and selectors, what they decide about me,” Butt was quoted as saying by nation.com.pk.
Having not gotten a chance to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the first four seasons, his prayers were finally answered when he got a call from Lahore Qalandars. The team manager informed the opener that they were going to sign him for the forthcoming edition of the tournament, and Butt, being born in Lahore, said that it was a dream come true for him and that he hopes to impress his hometown fans.
"It (getting a call from Lahore Qalandars) was really big news for me, as I had been waiting since long to play cricket in front my cricket fans and impress them with my performances," he said.
“I am a Lahorite and I want to see Lahore Qalandars this time play their best cricket and emerge as triumphant. I am eager to play key role in helping Qalandars team register crucial victories and ultimately win the PSL-5 trophy.” he added.
With the PCB set to take drastic steps post the World Cup debacle, it remains to be seen if they will consider giving the tainted opener a chance at redemption.