Salman Butt wants authorities to punish those who corrupt players

Former Pakistani skipper and tainted cricketer Salman Butt has recently urged the cricket officials and authorities to take stern steps in corruption cases. It might sound ironical to see such statements coming from someone who has already faced a ban period of 5 years for being involved in spot fixing. Butt had a very unique point to put forward though. As per the quotes in the News18, the former skipper wants the people who lure the cricketers into corruption to be punished.

He spoke loud and clear when he noted that the punishment must be given to those who corrupt the players. He said that it is always the players who are seen as the major culprits. However, the ICC and the other boards need to figure out a way to punish the bookies and the other people who fix players and matches.

“The players are seen as the main culprits whenever some corruption comes out. But I think the International Cricket Council and its member boards also need to think about how to also punish those people who try to lure players into fixing,” Butt said on Geo Super channel.

Salman Butt was found guilty of spot-fixing charges during the 2010 Pakistan tour of England. He was banned from all forms of the game along with bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.

While Asif and Butt faced 5 year bans, Amir had a shorter period to serve. Amir went on to make a comeback to international cricket, while the other two are still waiting. Butt remarked that he has already paid heavily for his sins and has learnt his lesson. Thus, he now wants the people inducing such filth being punished. He added that such things happen in every sport and there will always be people falling in the trap.

“We have seen players who get caught in this fixing racket get punished. I have been through it and have paid heavily for it. I have learnt my lesson. But what about those who induce us into such practice,” quoted Salman Butt.

“It can’t happen, it happens in every sport and not only cricket. It is human nature that some individuals will always fall into the trap of greed. That is why I say steps are also required to punish individuals who trap players,” Butt added further.