The PCB’s appointment of Salman Butt to the selection committee faced swift reversal following Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s intervention.
The decision stirred public outcry due to Butt’s involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. PM Kakar emphasized the need for a controversy-free selection committee, directing the inclusion of non-controversial and reputable selectors to maintain cricket’s integrity.
Former captain Salman Butt had previously publicly apologized for compromising the game’s integrity during the spot-fixing scandal.
The PM’s Office Media Wing, in a press release on Saturday, conveyed that the prime minister has taken serious notice of the appointment of Salman Butt, a controversial former cricket player.
A day earlier, PCB confirmed the appointment of former Pakistan cricketers Kamran Akmal, Rao Iftikhar Anjum and Salman Butt as consultant members to chief selector Wahab Riaz.
However, Butt’s selection was met with severe criticism on social media due to his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. The other two cricketers who featured in that scam were pace bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir.
According to PMO, the caretaker prime minister observed that there was no dearth of talent in Pakistan, and in cricket, which is the most popular game of Pakistanis, the selection committee should be free from any controversy.
Underlining the significance of maintaining the integrity of cricket, the premier directed for inclusion of non-controversial and well-reputed selectors as members in the PCB selection committee.
