Salman hopeful of good news

Salman Butt says he will be more clear on his future after a decision is made by the International Cricket Council.

LAHORE: Speaking for the first time since being provisionally suspended, Pakistan opening batsman Salman Butt has said he will be more clear on his future after a decision is made by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Salman, who was suspended by the ICC after the News of the World alleged that the then Pakistan captain had a role in spot-fixing during the last Test against England, has appealed and is set to contest his case before the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit on October 30 in Doha.

“I was relishing the peak of my career,” Salman told The Express Tribune.

“In the last five years, Pakistan had never won two Tests on one tour. Beating Australia after 15 years was like a new beginning for all of us but unfortunately we had to cope with hurdles straightaway.”

Salman was appointed Test captain after Shahid Afridi stepped down and announced his retirement from the format after the first match-loss against Australia.

The opener tasted victory straightaway as Pakistan drew the two-match series against Australia before losing 3-1 against England. It was the last match against England where three Pakistan players were alleged to have been involved in spot-fixing by the British tabloid.

“I hope these hurdles are crossed as soon as possible. I think after passing through so much difficulty in your career, your exposure helps you become wiser. You start to understand your surroundings better and especially who is more sincere with you. This is a hurdle which is a learning process of life.”

The left-hander also said his form and fitness were not a concern since he was practising regularly and hopeful of playing for Pakistan soon.

“You know what the concerns are [stopping me from playing cricket] otherwise there is no issue of my performance or anything else,” said Salman.

“I am just waiting for the decision and the reason I am practising hard and keeping my fitness, is to be available for Pakistan selection,” said Salman as he eyed the Test series against South Africa in UAE that starts next month.

Pakistan play South Africa in the first of two Twenty20s on October 26 before taking on the Proteas in a five-match One-Day International series and two Tests.

Salman, not selected for the series due the suspension, however remained confident of playing the Tests that start on November 12.

“I’m hoping for some good news after the hearing in Doha. I’m training according to the conditions in Dubai. South Africa have a couple of really tall bowlers in their team but I’m trying to practise in UAE-like conditions so that it’s easy for me to get used to them and do well there.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2010.