‘Love for cricket never dies’

Banned former captain Salman vows to make a comeback.

LAHORE:

Banned Pakistan opener and former Test captain Salman Butt claims he will not give up his love for cricket as he dedicated a major chunk of his life learning the sport and perfecting his skills.

Salman, along with fast-bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after an independent tribunal found them guilty of orchestrating three pre-planned, deliberate no-balls during the Lord’s Test against England last August.

“The enthusiasm cannot be forced, it’s a gift from God,” Salman told The Express Tribune. “The spirit is still high and love for the game never dies.”

Reflecting on his efforts in stamping his authority in international cricket, Salman said it was a long road and he had to give up everything for it.  “Playing international cricket isn’t easy and I had to give everything in order to make a livelihood out of the game.”

Staying optimistic about making a comeback, Salman says he will not give up the fight. The opener is also facing charges of conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments.

“Right now, I’m training to keep fit. I’m barred from playing cricket at any level and I find that very odd.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2011.