[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]The public and cricketing experts’ strong opposition compelled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to withdraw Salman Butt from his role as a consultant to chief selector Wahab Riaz on Saturday.
Salman Butt, a former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, had been appointed as a consultant alongside Kamran Akmal and Iftikhar Anjum in preparation for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January by the PCB. Butt had served a 30-month prison sentence in 2011 for his involvement in spot fixing, and he had also faced a 10-year ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
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In response to the criticism from former cricketers, who believed Butt’s appointment could have negative repercussions for Pakistan cricket, Chief Selector Wahab Riaz announced the reversal of the decision at a press conference in Lahore. Riaz mentioned that there had been “propaganda” against him and Butt, leading to the reconsideration of the appointment.
Riaz clarified that Salman Butt was not officially on any PCB panel but had been brought in as a consultant for his cricketing insights, as he possessed a deep understanding of the game and had been involved in covering domestic cricket for the past few years. Despite emphasizing that the decision to appoint Butt was solely his, Riaz decided to revoke it in light of the public backlash and perceived negative impact on Pakistan cricket. The appointments, including Butt’s role, were part of a broader restructuring within the team’s management, which saw changes such as the removal of Babar Azam as captain and the assumption of coaching duties by Mohammad Hafeez and Wahab Riaz as chief selector.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
