Salman Butt not pleased after being ignored in PSL draft yet again

Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt is highly disappointed after no franchise picked him in the PSL draft which took place a couple of weeks ago. He has served the ban imposed on him after being caught in the spot-fixing saga during the England tour in 2010. He returned to cricket and started playing domestic cricket with a hope of representing his country again. However, he has been ignored by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the selectors since then despite performing well.

The trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were banned from international and were also sentenced jail for their involvement in spot-fixing in 2010. Amir has made a successful return at the highest level and is ruling the opposition since his comeback. But Asif and Butt have been specifically ignored despite performing to the potential in the domestic arena.

Why is such treatment being given to me?

Salman Butt, while speaking to The Nation, expressed his disappointment for being ignored for Pakistan Super League (PSL) during the players’ draft. He was unhappy with the way he was being treated despite scoring runs in abundance in domestic cricket. “I was second top scorer in domestic cricket last year, but no franchise bothered to pick me in the PSL draft and same happened this year too. I was in gold category and once again, I was badly ignored. I don’t know why such treatment is being given to me. Last year, I was at the peak this year, although I am not performing like I did last year, even then my performances are better than others,” he said.

“I can’t say or comment when the PCB would consider me again for the national duty and I can’t ask or seek explanation from them. My job is to perform, which I have been doing sincerely and dedication. But one thing is quite clear that the PCB has to keep close check and ensure the domestic cricket top performers must be included in the PSL, so that they may focus on improving their games. If they are ignored in the same way and their efforts failed to attract the selectors, it is quite sure the talent will get wasted,” Butt added.

Though he was also hopeful of PCB and selectors giving him one opportunity and was confident that he wouldn’t let down his fans. “I am hopeful that the PCB and chief selector will provide me with the opportunity. I can assure that I will not disappoint my fans and selectors. I know I have lot of cricket left in me and I am ready to serve Pakistan cricket in the best possible fashion,” the 33-year-old concluded.