After having served the ban in the spot-fixing case, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt is hopeful of the comeback to the national side. However, the left-handed batsman has been waiting since 2015 for his selection. He continues to impress at the domestic level, but it seems selectors are in no mood to try out the tainted opener anytime soon. That said, Butt is keen to join back the national side. PCB Terminates Agreement with PSL Franchise Multan Sultans
In his recent interview with cricingif.com, Butt has said that is up to selectors and PCB to consider him for selection. “By the grace of Allah, I am the top scorer of the Quaid -e-Azam One Day Cup. I have scored more than 500 runs, with average and strike rate both in excess of 90. It is there for the selectors and the PCB to see and to select me. On the basis of my form and fitness, if they think I am deserving then they should select me,” Butt said.
Interestingly, Butt is part of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL T20) draft for the second time in a row. However, last year no franchise was interested in him. PSL Players Draft: List of Players Available for Pakistan Super League T20 2019
Meanwhile, Butt believes it is the Quaid-e-Azam trophy which has been producing talent for Pakistan and not the PSL. “Quaid-e-Azam trophy is its production house. If we do not pay attention to our domestic cricket, we will face problems in the PSL as well. Quaid-e-Azam trophy is our base and our launch pad. If we respect that, we will be able to maintain a decent standard of our cricket as well,” the discarded opener said.
Butt along with fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were banned for their role in spot-fixing on Pakistan's tour to England in 2010. Out of the three, only Amir has since then represented Pakistan at an international level.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 13, 2018 12:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).