Banned players must be allowed to make a comeback: Salman Butt

Karachi: Pakistan’s banned former captain Salman Butt has said that those players who have been banned for spot fixing, have a right to try and make a comeback to international cricket once they complete their suspension period.

“I know some people, including former players have said (Mohammad) Aamir shouldn’t be allowed to play cricket again, but I disagree because he has got the clearance from the ICC (International Cricket Council) to play domestic cricket and secondly, he is close to completing his five-year ban,” Butt said.

Besides Butt, two other players — Aamir and Mohammad Asif — were banned for spot fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010 — and are serving a minimum five-year ban.

The trio also served varying jail terms in England for the same offence before returning home.

The ICC, this week announced that Aamir could resume playing domestic cricket under the revised anti-corruption laws, although his ban officially ends on September 2 this year.

“I respect all those people who have different opinions on this issue. But I believe that even if we have made mistakes, we have served our time. Why shouldn’t we be given a chance to make a comeback?” asked Butt.

“Aamir has a right to try to make a comeback to domestic cricket. My case is also pending with the Pakistan Cricket Board and I am waiting for further instructions,” he added.

The former captain said that Aamir had apologised to the nation and deserved a chance to redeem himself.

“I am happy for Aamir and I wish him well. I am confident that soon the PCB and ICC will also review my ban because I am still not finished as a cricketer and I want a shot at a comeback to top level cricket,” he said.

Butt said he had also requested the PCB to put in a request with the ICC to review his ban, which ends this year.

“I will also request the ICC to drop my five year suspended ban,” Butt stated.

PTI