Salman Butt looks up to ICC anti-corruption unit to revive career

Banned Pakistani batsman has been contacted by the ICU after he submitted written confession to PCB

KARACHI: Banned Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt, who recently wrote a confession to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about his direct involvement in the spot-fixing scandal, is set to meet the officials of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption unit in a bid to make a return to the international cricket after his ban ends in September.

According to the Press Trust of India, a well-placed source in the PCB said that the ICC anti-corruption unit had contacted Butt after he submitted a written statement the his national board for his wrongdoing in England in 2010.

Read: PCB releases Salman Butt's signed confession

"Indications are that the ICC ACU officials will meet with Butt soon to discuss his statement and future course of action," the source said.

He said PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan had not raised the issue of giving some relaxation to Butt after his ban ends in September at the recent ICC executive board meeting in Barbados.

"But the ICC is now in touch with Butt," the source added.

Butt admitted his guilt in the spot-fixing case after being pressurised by the PCB.  Muhammad Aamir and Muhammad Asif were also banned for five years in early 2011.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Aamir has been allowed to play domestic cricket under the new ICC rules and he will be making his comeback after his ban ends in September.

Read: Salman Butt makes full confession of role in spot-fixing scandal

If Butt is unable to convince the ICC and PCB when his ban ends in September that he has undergone rehabilitation and is reformed and willing to work with them, his suspended ban can also be evoked.

"Butt is desperate to resolve this issue before the five year ban ends in September and he is also eager to resume playing domestic cricket," the source said.