Salman Butt fears isolation from international cricket

Salman Butt was the captain of the Pakistani national side during the spot fixing scandal of 2010

Tainted Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt has voiced his concerns over him and the bowling duo of Mohammed Amir and Mohammad Asif being isolated by the cricketing fraternity, reports Wisden India. After being cleared by the ICC, the Pakistani opener is trying to get onto the brighter side of things and regaining the confidence and support of fans and fellow cricketers.

The Pakistani trio were banned from all forms of cricket for terms between 5 and 10 years after a spot fixing scandal was unearthed during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010. September 2nd marked their return to competitive cricket after the ICC were convinced that all three had fulfilled the conditions set by the Anti-Corruption Tribunal.

Youngster Amir who was banned for bowling deliberate no-balls completed his term of 5 years and the more experienced Butt, who was the captain of the national side during the fiasco, and Asif, who also bowled deliberate no-balls, appealed that their ban periods be reduced. The ICC and the Anti Corruption Tribunal were convinced that the duo had fulfilled certain conditions, but did not mention what these conditions were.

“It is a disturbing situation the way I see it, we could be isolated. We just want to be allowed to play proper cricket. How else can we show anyone that we have changed and have learnt from our mistakes,” said the former Pakistan captain.

This came a day after Rameez Raja went on record saying that it would be “extremely dangerous” to the Pakistan Super League would if the tainted trio would be involved in its inaugural season.

Salman Butt has also voiced his concerns that he might not see competitive cricketing action until next February as there was no first class or domestic cricket until then.

The trio’s return to competitive cricket has been opposed by several former cricketers, but former pacer Shoaib Akhtar has given the likes of Amir a glimmer of hope after he stated that he would want to buy a franchise in the PSL and also planned to have Amir in his team to mentor him in becoming a better person on and off the field.

“I think they have suffered enough for their crime and they now deserve a second chance. I don’t see any reason for holding them back,” added the Pakistani pacer.