Complete elimination of corruption not possible: Salman Butt

The tainted Pakistan batsman Salman Butt recently led his side WAPDA to their first ever Quaid-e-Azam Trophy win. Butt has an infamous history linked to him. He was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010. His recent performances in the tournament finals were his best since his return.

The veteran southpaw is now hoping to make a national comeback. In a recent conversation with the PTI, Salman Butt spoke at length about corruption in cricket and how he wishes to get back in the mix of things for the national side. He cited that it is impossible to eradicate corruption completely from the game. It is the moment of truth that often defines the fate of the cricketer.

“I have been there and I have seen it. Complete elimination is not possible because it requires just one moment of weakness and one wrong decision to destroy yourself with corruption,” he quoted.

However, he further commended the efforts of the ICC to curb down corruption ever since Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were caught in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010. “But it is a fact that after the spot-fixing scandal involving us in 2010 a lot of deterrents have been put into place to educate the players about anti-corruption measures. I myself have given lectures to teams on this issue from first hand experience. It has made a difference,” Butt added.

The opener smacked twin tons in both the innings of the day-night finals of the domestic tournament. He is hoping to get a national call owing to his stellar knocks. Interestingly, at the same time, Pakistan struggled to cross the 100-run mark in the day-night Test in Australia on day 2. Salman Butt wants to cover up for the wrong doings by performing well again.

“I am just thankful to God for giving me another chance to taste cricket success. I just know that there is true remorse in my heart for what happened six years ago and I just pray I get another chance to play for Pakistan and do something big for the country to atone for what I did,” said the former Pakistan skipper.

Speaking about the infamous incident again, Butt said that he deeply regrets what he did. But he has no other option than to apologize and look forward. “Honestly speaking I have been through a lot and I realize how badly I damaged the image of Pakistan cricket and myself. But I can only apologize and ask for forgiveness from all those people who were hurt by my actions. But it is over now and I have served my time. I am 32 and my only aim is to get back to international cricket. My job is to perform and the selectors and board have to decide about my future. But I am banking on getting back soon,” he pointed out.

Commenting on the India-Pakistan cricket ties, Butt feels it is only unfortunate that the two teams are not facing each other. He reckons that India wants to isolate Pakistan but believes that is never possible since Pakistan is a strong force in world cricket.

“It is sad because there is so we can learn from each other. But unfortunately one can do nothing about the politics. My personal experiences after playing in the first edition of the IPL and on India tours is very good. I don’t know perhaps India wants to isolate Pakistan in the cricket fraternity by not playing us but I don’t think that will ever happen as Pakistan will always be a top cricket nation,” he concluded.