Butt hits century on domestic comeback after ban

Pakistan’s ex-Test Captain Salman Butt who was banned over involvement in spot-fixing scandal along with two other teammates Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif back in 2010 has today resumed his domestic career along with the mate Asif, whereas Amir who was cleared for national and global cricket in April 2015 has left today for the New Zealand Tour.

The duo, along with Mohammad Amir, were banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for bowling deliberate no-balls in return for money during the Lord’s Test against England on Pakistan’s tour in 2010. Butt and Asif, whose spot-fixing ban were lifted last September, were representing Water and Power Development Authority against Federally Administered Tribal Areas in the ongoing 16-team National One Day Cup in Pakistan.

Aamir, who served three months in jail in 2011, had been included in the Pakistan team to play three Twenty20 matches and three one-day internationals subject to clearance from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). He hoped that he would perform consistently to make worldwide return. “It’s a sort of rebirth for me”, he had said before the game started.

Butt, 31, said he would remember his comeback innings.

He also thanked retired players including current coach Waqar Younis for his support and credited batting legend Mohammed Yousuf with helping him with his technique in the nets.

After a ban of 5 years, Muhammad Amir is also accompanying the team to play his first worldwide series in as many years.

Asif, meanwhile, said he had overcome a hard period in his life.

“I just want to tell everyone the remorse is there for what happened five years back but we just want a second chance to show we are sorry for the damage we caused Pakistan cricket”. Since I wasn’t allowed to play cricket for registered clubs, I had been training at unregistered facilities and the result is there.

Asif said he was confident in his ability to bowl again after the long spell out.

Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt (L), Mohammad Asif (C) and Mohammad Aamer (R).

“Butt was slightly nervous in the morning, but he batted solidly”, said Siddiq.