KARACHI: Former captain Salman Butt has called for an open trial against him in Pakistan saying he didn't get justice in a cricket corruption case which led to a lengthy ban and jail time.
The 27-year-old was found guilty by both the game's governing body and a British court of orchestrating deliberate no-balls through two of his bowlers during the 2010 Lord's Test against England, in return for money.
The deal was organised between Butt's agent Mazhar Majeed and an undercover reporter for the now defunct News of the World, in a sting operation which exposed corruption in international cricket.
All three players were banned for a minimum of five years by the International Cricket Council and were subsequently convicted and jailed by a British court for corruption.
Butt, who was the last of the three released from the UK prison last week after serving less than a quarter of his 30 month sentence, protested his innocence.
"If you look at the evidence you can judge that I didn't get justice," Butt said in his first television interview since the affair, which aired Express News Thursday night.
"I had to make a sacrifice because I didn't take anyone's name, it didn't suit me. It's not about me or anyone else, it's about Pakistan. I would like Pakistani courts, the Supreme Court, to hold an open trial and I am sure they will clear me.
"I don't accept anything against me. If you look at the evidence against me, I had no links to spot-fixing. Who did and who planned it (I don't know), but certainly I didn't do that. I played for my country and respected that (honour)."
When asked about the discovery in his hotel room of notes marked by the News of the World, Butt replied: "Yes there were 4,500 pounds and that was my money. I had to inaugurate an ice cream parlour and got 2,500 pounds (from Majeed) in advance.
"I didn't know that he had paid me notes which were marked. That was my money and that's why I got them back (when I was released) and I have receipt of all that."
Butt said the welcome he received in Lahore suggested people still loved him.
"It was an unexpected welcome. People showed they still love me. I wasn't expecting it because I was coming from such a place," said Butt of the welcome in Lahore last week.
He also vowed to represent Pakistan again.
"I will do my best to become a good human being and represent Pakistan again. It seems a long shot but I will do my best," said Butt, who apologised for his actions on arrival last week.
"The people in Pakistan are very good, and the way they welcomed me, I am sure they will forgive me," he added.
Butt was also due to hold a press conference Friday evening.
COMMENTS (13)
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He is no good. Just ignore and don't take any notice of him. Let him do his babbling and prove that his brain is as developed as a baby of couple of months and so is his IQ.
He was convicted by ICC and British Courts. Salman Butt should move on in life and stop trying to get media attention.
He wants to do a new Topi Drama in a corrupt Pakistani court.
He has already been convicted. No more trials Please. Stop doing drama with our country.
Typical Pakistani behavior. Denials followed by distortion and lies. He confessed in Britain, was convicted, served a sentence...so what is this blabber about new trial in Pakistan? He is a convict. He disgraced Pakistan and the game. Yes, he is young and he made a mistake. But let him go and do something else in life now. If he had shown some remorse and humility he had a chance, but he is trying to lie and scheme his way back into the game. No way.
The road to redemption starts when you stop lying to yourself. You didn't get justice in a British court? Seriously you need to be banned for life by the PCB.
He made a mistake but he is a human too. He cannot be punished for life. I hope and pray that he is able to restart his career soon Inshallah.
Please spare us from your gibberish. Give us a break. We are ready to forget you but not ready to forgive you.
Although you have brought defame to the game of cricket and name of country , but you have the right to claim justice from Pakistani and International Court in Switzerland.
You, Amir and Asif were the key for winning the world cup in India and the book makers did not wanted Pakistan to win so they trapped the winning triangle.
Remember Pakistan never forgets ,Pakistan never deports who love it.
I am sick of this scandal. Muhammad amir clearly gave evidence against this man. And look at his arrogance. So both British courts and ICC were wrong. I followed this cE here in UK media and the evidence was very strong. He got away lightly for playng with our honor like this. What talent does he have which we ll loose if he is nt there to help the nation? Pls go away. We dont need you. We have enough youngsters and talent to replace rotten players like you.
Enough of you Mr But. You had already embarrased the country a lot and shaken our belief in the very game we loved!
Why is it that corrupt people find their home in Pakistan? Where they think they can get off Scott-free by claiming to with-hold imaginary names of shadowy organizations and to 'sacrifice' themselves for the sake of their beloved country when in fact they are just as greedy and dirty as the person next to them. Oh well, being judged by the same corrupt and greedy peers, he will surely be let off with full honors, and none would suffer more than the nation's name since they can't even met out justice fairly. Shame.
Sure you will get very favourable audience in SC at court room 1, where the occupier has an ear for conspiracy theories.
if you are innocent why do you seek forgiveness? dumb twat!