Reports: Salman Butt likely to be considered for national comeback

Tainted Pakistani batsman Salman Butt is trying his best to get back in the scheme of things for national selections. Butt recently completed his ban of 5 years that was imposed on him in 2010 for his alleged involvement in the spot fixing scandal. Salman, along with pacer Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, were found guilty of spot fixing during the tour of England in 2010.

While Amir managed to make a comeback in the national side soon enough, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif have found it tough to get in the eyes of the national selectors post serving their respective bans. Now, as per the recent reports in News18, the national selection committee is keen on considering Butt’s name for national selection. Pakistan are scheduled to travel West Indies for a long tour this month.

Recently, the selectors, headed by former Pakistani cricketer and current chief selector Inzamam Ul Haq, had named 31 probables for the tour. Salman’s name did not feature in the list. However, there are reports of Salman Butt being considered for the Test series in the Caribbean.

The 32-year old former captain had hit twin tons in his side’s domestic tournament win in the end of 2016-17 season to announce his comeback to form. However, the selectors have often opted to be safe and tightlipped whenever they are asked about his comeback.

“Now the PCB has given its clearance and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has had a discussion with the national team’s head coach Mickey Arthur about probable selections for the Test series in the West Indies and Butt’s name has been discussed seriously,” a close source had told PTI as per the reports in News18.

Apparently, the selectors had a long discussion over drafting in Butt for the probables of the tour as well. The 31 selected probable are now scheduled to undergo fitness training camps before the final squad will be announced.