Salman Butt accuses PCB of treating him in a discriminatory manner

Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were the three players banned for their role in the spot-fixing scandal in the 2010 Test in England. While Amir has returned after serving the suspension and played more than a handful of matches over the past few years, the other two are still waiting for their opportunity. Asif seems to have resigned in terms of making a comeback. But Butt is still hopeful and has been performing consistently in the domestic arena.

But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors have constantly overlooked him. Butt has now sought an explanation from the previous chairman of the board, Shahryar Khan and Najam Sethi. He also pointed out how Amir was quickly brought back into the setup and he has been made to wait despite plundering runs.

“This can only be explained by the previous chairman of the PCB, Shahryar Khan or Najam Sethi. Why can one player play and the other can’t? What was special in one and what did the other not have? He hasn’t even played a complete season. I have participated in all seasons completely,” Butt said while speaking to cricketpakistan.com.pk.

You don’t go into WC with only two openers

Salman Butt also questioned the selectors’ decision to go into the 2019 World Cup with only two openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman. The duo wasn’t consistent enough in its trade during the tournament. Former Pakistan captain also felt that the underperforming openers at the international level are constantly being given chance.

“You have been covering cricket for a long time; you should tell me if I deserve a place with these players. I don’t think this is an issue. You don’t go into a World Cup with just two openers. They keep losing test matches and still make no changes. They are lucky to be playing 75 percent of their matches in the UAE,” the 34-year-old added.

Salman Butt is now hoping for the players to be selected on merit and not on preferences. He claims to have kept himself fit and still harbours hopes of playing for Pakistan again after a long gap.

Watch – 10 cricketers and the cost of their luxurious houses