Image courtesy of: The Telegraph
Butt will forever be remembered for this disturbing incident
Disgraced Pakistan captain Salman Butt has admitted that he did participate in match-fixing activities during his side’s tour of England in 2010 and added that he will forever be forced to hang his head in shame as a result of his actions and decisions.
Butt also apologised to all his fans and noted that he would be more than willing to take part in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rehabilitation programmes as he still clings on to the hope of playing for Pakistan again.
Butt, who was deemed as the ringleader of the match-fixing scandal, which also involved pace duo Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, was slapped with a five-year ban by the ICC.
Both Butt and Asif appealed against their bans at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, but their requests were denied in April.
“I admit the decision of the ICC tribunal,” Butt said. “I said it before and am saying again, that to all those who have been disappointed by my actions I do apologise for them. Also, the [negative] effect it had on cricket’s integrity, I would like to apologise for that.
“I want to insist, to all those playing and wanting to play cricket, they must stay away from such wrongdoings because it negatively effects them and the game of cricket.”
In addition to the apology and rehabilitation programmes, Butt has also agreed to tell the ICC’s anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) and PCB about the entire match-fixing ordeal.
Butt also pleaded for his ban to be shortened in order for him to start playing domestic cricket again and working his way back into the Pakistan team.
Suspended PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf recently noted that Butt still has a chance of representing the country again, but only after he has served the remainder of his suspension.
“I want to give my availability for any PCB rehab programme and from the ICC,” Butt said. “Since I have only two years left of my ban, I request the ICC to allows me to play in domestic cricket. So by the time my ban ends, I can be available for national selection.”