‘He Will fix Pakistan cricket for sure’ – Fans react as Salman Butt included into National Selection Panel of Pakistan

Amid the ongoing revamping of the Pakistan Cricket Board, former batter Salman Butt has received a big role. The board has included him in the national selection panel headed by Wahab Riaz. He, along with Kamran Akmal and Rao Ifthikhar Anjum, will work as consultant members for Chief Selector Riaz.

It’s worth noting that Butt made a comeback to cricket in 2016 after serving a five-year ban. He was banned for his involvement in spot-fixing during the Pakistan vs. England Test series in 2010. However, despite his amazing performances in domestic cricket, Butt has never received a call for national duty since his comeback. He was one of the most successful captains in Pakistan’s domestic cricket.

“Their first assignment as consultant members to the chief selector includes the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, set to commence on January 12, 2024, following the conclusion of the Test tour to Australia,” PCB said in a release. “When not engaged in selection duties, the consultant members may be assigned additional tasks, such as conducting skills camps,” it further added.

Was Salman Butt treated unfairly by the PCB?

Salman Butt, Mohammed Amir, and Muhammad Asif faced spot-fixing convictions by the UK’s national crime agency, resulting in jail time and subsequent bans imposed by the Apex Cricket Council. Butt, who led Pakistan to Test victories against Australia and England in 2010, expressed a sense of injustice while acknowledging remorse for his actions.

Despite former head coach Waqar Younis endorsing Butt’s return to the national team, ex-captain Shahid Afridi opposed the comeback, blocking the cricketer’s reentry. The trio’s tainted past and efforts at redemption continue to shape their cricketing journeys, with Butt’s aspirations for a comeback facing resistance from within the cricketing fraternity. It’s worth noting that the trio will start working immediately as they select the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series.

Here is how fans react to Salman Butt’s inclusion: