Salman Butt PIC: Kevin Quigley/PA Wire

Disgraced Pakistan captain Salman Butt to make ‘top-flight cricket return’

Thursday, June 21, 2012
3:47 PM

Disgraced former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt has been set free early from prison, his lawyers confirmed today (Thursday).

The 27-year-old is now determined to return to top-flight cricket, his lawyer said.

Butt is the last to be released of the three Pakistan cricketers jailed for a spot fixing scam against England at Lord’s cricket ground in London.

The corruption scandal and Butt’s conviction for his part in it has left the player, “tired and jaded.”

He was sentenced to 30 months at Southwark Crown Court last November.

Teammates Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were also jailed for bowling the fraudulent no-balls, but have since been released.

All three are serving a five-year ban from cricket.

“Salman Butt has had to endure a great deal of suffering, strain, pressure and humiliation over many months, both personally and on behalf of his family,” said a lawyer.

“His return back home will allow Salman to spend time with his family and relatives. He will get to see and hold his son whom he has not seen since his birth in November last year.

“He can now return to his beloved homeland, start to rebuild his reputation and begin the long process in his efforts to return back to top-level cricket. He is tired and jaded.

“Once he has had a little rest, you can rest assured that Salman Butt will talk to the media when the time is right.”