PCB has wronged Babar Azam, Salman Butt criticizes the cricket board

The board brought in 2 people who humiliated Babar on TV, then you changed the captain, then brought him back after two series, you yourself are creating rifts in the team: Ex-captain

Former captain of Pakistan cricket team Salman Butt has strongly criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for taking over the captaincy of Babar Azam. In an interview, Salman Butt mentioned the challenges faced by Babar Azam as captain. Salman Butt said, "Let's first talk about what Babar Azam has in his hands, he is not a born captain, but the question is what role did you play in facilitating him? You take two people. who humiliated him on TV.

Then you change the captain and then bring him back after two series, you yourself are creating differences in the team". On the side of Mohammad Amir, whose public criticism of Babar Azam on a private TV show has been a source of controversy.

According to him, these actions have worked to lower Babar's position and morale.

Highlighting the need for better team management, Salman Butt added, "There needs to be proper man management in the team. You are managing it by people who have not been able to manage themselves all their lives." Salman Butt also emphasized that while Babar may not be a natural leader, the PCB's actions have only increased his struggles. "You wronged Babar, yes, he is not a good captain but you didn't give him an ideal environment either".

FAQs about Salman Butt

Q1: Who is Salman Butt?

A1: Salman Butt is a former Pakistani cricketer who played as an opening batsman for the national team. He made his debut in 2003 and has represented Pakistan in all formats of the game: Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Q2: What is Salman Butt known for?

A2: Salman Butt is known for his batting skills, particularly in the longer format of the game. He has played significant innings in Test matches and was regarded as a promising talent in Pakistani cricket during his career.

Q3: What controversy surrounds Salman Butt?

A3: Salman Butt was involved in a major controversy during the Pakistan cricket team's tour of England in 2010, where he was implicated in a spot-fixing scandal. He, along with teammates Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, was found guilty of deliberately bowling no-balls during a Test match at Lord's. This led to significant disciplinary action, including a ban from cricket.

Q4: What was the outcome of the spot-fixing scandal for Salman Butt?

A4: Following the investigation, Salman Butt was banned from cricket for ten years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2011, with five years of that ban being suspended. He also served a prison sentence in the UK after being convicted for his role in the scandal.

Q5: Is Salman Butt still active in cricket?

A5: As of October 2023, Salman Butt has made a return to domestic cricket after his ban ended in September 2016. He has participated in various domestic leagues and has been involved in commentary and cricket analysis but has not returned to international cricket.

Q6: Has Salman Butt expressed any desire to return to international cricket?

A6: Salman Butt has expressed a desire to return to international cricket and has commented that he feels he has unfinished business with the national team. However, his return would depend on various factors, including performance in domestic cricket and the selection policies of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Q7: What is Salman Butt's current status in cricket?

A7: Salman Butt continues to play a role in domestic cricket and remains a part of discussions concerning cricket analysis and commentary. His performance in domestic leagues is closely watched by fans and analysts, but as of now, he has not been selected for the national team.

Q8: Has he spoken about lessons learned from his past?

A8: Yes, Salman Butt has publicly reflected on his past mistakes and expressed regret over his involvement in spot-fixing. He has mentioned the importance of integrity in sports and has sought to move on from the scandal, focusing on the positives of his cricket career.

These FAQs cover essential aspects of Salman Butt's cricketing career, the controversies he faced, and his current status as of late 2023.