Pakistan’s newly appointed selection consultant, Salman Butt, faced an abrupt termination within just 24 hours of his appointment. Chief Selector Wahab Riaz announced Butt’s removal, citing external pressures as the main trigger for this decision.
Wahab pointed fingers at the media, accusing it of attempting to tarnish the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) reputation due to Salman Butt’s inclusion in the advisory panel.
Initially, the PCB confirmed the appointments of Kamran Akmal, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, and Salman Butt as consultant members, drawing criticism for various reasons, notably the regional dominance in the panel. All three members hail from Punjab, historically a dominant region in Pakistan cricket.
However, the majority of the controversy was caused because of the appointment of Salman Butt. This marked his first association with the PCB since his ban for spot-fixing in 2010. Despite playing domestic cricket and participating in the PSL post-ban, Butt’s appointment stirred uproar. He had also taken up an analytical role for various media outlets.
Salman Butt’s eloquence makes people forget what he did to this country and to young players, while in a position of power. Don’t be naive please, it’s a disgrace that he gets any opportunities in cricket at all
— eman (@exharrie) December 1, 2023
Wahab clarified his role in Butt’s inclusion and subsequent removal, asserting his sole responsibility for these decisions. “Salman Butt isn’t on any PCB panel. The decision to take his name back is solely mine,” Wahab emphasized.
Acknowledging Butt’s cricketing acumen and his extensive coverage of domestic cricket in recent years, Wahab highlighted that Salman Butt was included as a consultant for opinions. However, media scrutiny and public opinion prompted the reversal of this decision.
Wahab Riaz lend his jacket to spot fixer Mazhar Majeed who used it to conceal 10000€ & gave it back to him
Kamran Akmal was questioned numerous times for his dropped catches, even fined after 2009 Aus test tour.
Salman Butt: A proven spot fixer
Selection committee of Pakistan pic.twitter.com/GrS9LBCQ09
— Ali (@AliFChishty) December 1, 2023
Wahab defended his authority as the chief selector, underlining his prerogative in choosing his team. “As a chief selector, it’s my decision to select my team. However, due to discussions about nepotism, I’ve revoked this decision. I’ve already informed Salman Butt that he cannot be a part of my team,” Wahab stated.
Salman Butt, who played Tests, ODIs, and T20Is for Pakistan, faced a ban following the spot-fixing saga in 2010. Subsequently, he served a suspended sentence and was later convicted and imprisoned for conspiracy charges related to spot-fixing, alongside Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.
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