Tainted Pakistan opener Salman Butt has alleged that former captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi blocked his return to the Pakistan team for the World T20 2016 which was held in India. In 2016, Butt completed his six-year ban in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. The former opener claimed that he was all set for his return during the tournament but Afridi, the then Pakistan T20 team’s captain, was against his selection.

“I was called to the NCA by the head coach, Waqar Younis and batting coach, Grant Flower and they took me to the nets and checked my fitness. Waqar bhai asked me if I was mentally ready to play for Pakistan again and I said yes very much,” Butt told GTV News channel. Selectors Should Select Me on the Basis of My Form and Fitness, Says Tainted Pakistan Batsman Salman Butt

“I don’t know what prompted him (Afridi) to do this, but no I didn’t go to him or speak about it. I didn’t feel it was right. But what I know is that Waqar and Flower told me I was playing the World Cup and then Afridi resisted,” he added.

Butt also said that he has done everything to be considered for selection again but is unsure of why there is uncertainty regarding his future. “I don’t know what more I have to do to be considered for selection again. I have completed my rehabilitation and I have scored runs. But I think it is great injustice if no one is clear with us and tells us no matter what we do we are not going to be picked for Pakistan again. I don’t see the use of working so hard and doing so much if we are left to remain in uncertainty.”

In 2010, Butt, the then Test captain, along with Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir were caught in the spot-fixing scandal on the tour of England. After completing the ban, Aamir was back in the team and is currently part of Pakistan set up while Butt and Asif continue to be in exile.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 02, 2019 06:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).