Salman Butt is set to make his Pakistan Super League debut with Lahore Qalandars as they take on Multan Sultans in Sharjah on Friday.
The batsman has been drafted in for the rest of the season after Mohammad Hafeez fractured his thumb against Karachi Kings. The injury means he is ruled out for at least a month.
As such, Butt has been called upon to take over the No3 slot in the batting order. The 34-year-old has been out of the spotlight since his suspension in 2010 but his domestic T20 record bodes well for Lahore.
In 75 innings, Butt has racked up 2278 runs at a healthy average of 36.15. He’s managed 16 half centuries in that time with a best of 99 not out.
Salman Butt joins @lahoreqalandars squad this morning, off to training session with the team. Salman was included in the team to replace Mohammad Hafeez. pic.twitter.com/WvjsuKb23s
— PakistanSuperLeague (@TheHBLPSL) February 22, 2019
Having been handed a chance at redemption following his involvement in the spot fixing scandal nine years ago, it’s make or break time for Butt and he has the backing of Qalandars coach Aaqib Javed.
“I strongly believe that he has learnt his lesson and is a changed man. He will never think about risking his career and would be the last person to think in that direction again,” Javed told espncricinfo.
“He has done well since his return and he is a skillful cricketer,” he added.
