With the PSL season 4 in full swing, all teams look hungry to battle it out for the grand trophy. However, Lahore seems to have face bad luck with its skipper, Muhammad Hafeez ruled out after picking up a hand injury against Karachi kings after attempting a return catch, for 2 weeks. This puts his participation in the remaining PSL season in jeopardy, besides casting a doubt on his World Cup availability for Pakistan.
In this situation, Lahore Qalandars were quick to react and after consultation with the management and the coach, Salman Butt has been announced as Hafeez’s replacement, who has been seeking a comeback ever since he was found guilty of spot-fixing back in 2010. Sameen Rana, CEO and team manager of Lahore Qalandars while talking to Khaleej Times said: “We are happy to utilise Salman Butt’s services because in Hafeez’s absence we needed an experienced hand and the left-hander fits our plans.
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It is important to note that ever since Salman Butt finished his ban, he has been playing national t20 cups and showed his old form. He had been very consistent in the matches he played and was in contention to be considered for the World Cup Squad as a valuable asset. Take nothing away, Salman in his years before the ban, performed extremely well and had great potential. This potential seemed to have revived now that he has been given a chance to play against international players again. Despite receiving criticism from a vast majority of cricket figures and officials, Butt seems poised for comeback and has been backed by the CEO, Sameen Rana who said, “He committed a mistake and paid a heavy price for that. He has every right to play on bigger stage.”
“Butt will be a good addition for Lahore Qalandars for the remaining tournament. It is not clear he will be part of the playing XI against Multan Sultans on February 22 in Sharjah. It will be decided by team management after assessing his match readiness.”
SALMAN BUTT GETS A CHANCE AT REVIVAL AFTER HAFEEZ INJURY
With LQ winning one of the three matches played up till now, Butt could well be the lucky charm they have been waiting for to reignite such a talented squad of players and get them back to winning ways.
