Salman Butt Archives

PSB quashes lifetime ban on Arshad Nadeem’s coach Salman Butt

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has set aside the lifetime ban imposed on athletics coach Salman Iqbal Butt, restoring the career of the man credited with shaping Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem.

The decision, issued by Senator Pervaiz Rashid acting as PSB adjudicator, declared the ban enforced by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) as “without lawful authority, unconstitutional, ultra vires and void ab initio.”

The AFP had sanctioned Butt on October 12, 2025, prompting him to challenge the ruling on grounds of flawed procedure and lack of jurisdiction.

After reviewing all submissions, the adjudicator overturned the sanction through a detailed order issued on November 13.

According to the judgment, the AFP failed to meet even the most basic requirements of due process.

Butt was never served a charge sheet, no inquiry report was shared with him, and he was not provided a meaningful opportunity to present a defense.

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The order emphasised that any penalty issued through such a defective process cannot stand in the eyes of the law.

Citing violations of Articles 4, 10-A and 25 of the Constitution, the adjudicator ruled that the lifetime ban was excessive, unsupported by AFP’s own regulations, and issued without constitutional authority.

The PSB also directed the AFP to immediately withdraw all adverse communications circulated to international bodies, including World Athletics and Asian Athletics, noting that the federation’s actions had harmed Butt’s global reputation.

It further restrained the AFP from issuing any defamatory or prejudicial communications against the coach in the future.

Interestingly, despite the AFP’s ban announcement last month, Salman Butt accompanied Arshad during his latest international outing, the Islamic Solidarity Games, one where Nadeem once again delivered gold with an 83.05m throw.

On the same stage, Yasir Sultan marked his debut with a remarkable 76.04m effort to secure silver, lifting Pakistan’s medal tally to four.

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Salman Butt picks Ben Stokes over Pakistan icon in all-time ODI XI

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has picked England all-rounder Ben Stokes over legendary Imran Khan in his all-time ODI XI.

Appearing on a sports podcast, Butt was asked to pick an all-time ODI XI, with no more than two players from one country.

The southpaw picked star players from India, West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and England. He chose Ben Stokes as captain while Proteas batting maestro AB de Villiers was slotted in as an opener and wicket-keeper.

The middle order featured Brian Lara, Viv Richards, Kumar Sangakara, and Virat Kohli.

Butt’s bowling attack combined spin and pace: Abdul Qadir and Muttiah Muralitharan provided the spin options, while Wasim Akram led the fast bowling unit alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Jacques Kallis, with Stokes offering an additional seam option.

However, the most notable omission was Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan.

Explaining his decision, Salman Butt pointed to the balance of the side.

“Two spinners, three genuine fast bowlers — and because Jacques Kallis also bowled at 140 km/h, plus there’s Ben Stokes as well,” he said.

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When asked about leaving Imran Khan out, Butt praised his status, alongside highlighting the team’s needs and modern-day cricket.

“Yes, he didn’t fit into this team. As an all-rounder, Ben Stokes was my choice,” he explained.

“He couldn’t find a place, what can we do? I’m not denying Imran Khan’s greatness—he’s a far superior cricketer, and Pakistan has probably produced very few players better than him. But if you look at the context and also consider today’s cricket, it’s not the same as the era in which he excelled,” he explained.

“If you bring any of those players into modern cricket, even one of them, you have to consider everything — fitness levels, their performances over time, their match-winning ability, their leadership, their multiple roles. That’s how I looked at it when I made my ODI XI,” Butt added.

He further clarified his picks, explaining that he had picked players with modern-day cricket parameters in mind.

“Yes, I was asked for an ODI XI, but I tried to consider players across generations. From India, I picked Bumrah and Virat Kohli. Now, of course, people will ask — where is Tendulkar? But the parameters were already given. You have to see how players would also fit into modern cricket,” he concluded.

Salman Butt All-Time ODI XI:

Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara, Viv Richards, Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes (C), AB de Villiers (WK), Jacques Kallis, Abdul Qadir, Muttiah Muralitharan, Wasim Akram, Jasprit Bumrah

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Former captain picks key players for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 clash against India

Former captain Salman Butt has named Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi as key players for Pakistan against India during the high-intensity clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

After taking on Oman in their opening match, Pakistan will face India in the continental tournament on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

During a podcast appearance on a sports platform, Butt named India as the favorite.

“Pakistan can win, but they don’t start as favourites. That’s clear. On paper, you’re not the favourites. So maybe it’s 70–30, or 65–35, those are the percentages as I see them,” he said.

He revealed key players for Pakistan who could change the course of the match with their performances.

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“Fakhar Zaman is the one. If Shaheen [Afridi] takes three wickets up front — he has done that before — then India’s whole batting lineup gets unsettled. That’s how last time you got a target of around 150. So one brilliant spell of bowling or one extended batting cameo can change everything,” Salman Butt remarked.

The former captain emphasized extended contribution from the batter, reiterating that India has the upper hand due to their team balance.

“By cameo, I don’t mean just scoring a quick 30. You’ll need an extended cameo — and a player like him can deliver that. But on paper, if you look at performances, experience, output, and even confidence levels, then I think India has the upper hand.”

The 40-year-old highlighted India’s dual nature and bold claims of playing with three teams simultaneously.

“Yes, India tends to exaggerate a lot and makes big claims — they can even put out three full teams at once. If you look at the system that has been running until recently, that’s true,” he concluded.

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Former Pakistan captain slams India, says ‘boycott ICC matches too’

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has criticised India Champions for pulling out of the much-awaited clash against the Green Shirts in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

The high-profile veterans’ encounter between the arch-rivals, scheduled to take place on July 20 at Edgbaston, was called off after multiple Indian players reportedly opted out due to political tensions between the two nations.

Reacting strongly on his YouTube channel, Salman Butt expressed disappointment over India’s decision and urged them to maintain the same approach across all competitions.

“The whole world is watching. What message are you sending to the global cricket community and fans?” Butt said.

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“If you won’t play in this tournament due to political reasons, then take a firm stance, don’t play against Pakistan in the World Cup or any ICC event either.”

“Don’t play against us at any level, not even the Olympics. I’d love to see that level of conviction.”

Salman Butt also questioned the internal decision-making process behind India’s withdrawal, implying that a minority may have influenced the entire squad.

“Who’s actually making these calls?” he asked.

“Is it just four or five individuals who decided not to play, and now everyone else feels pressured to follow suit? This mindset is baffling.”

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‘It’s like sitting for the wrong exam,’ Salman Butt questions Pakistan’s T20 selection

Former cricketer Salman Butt has raised his concerns over the selection of Pakistan cricket team for the T20I series against New Zealand, stating that it is unfair to judge the players in alien conditions.

Pakistan’s inexperienced team lost the five-match T20I series by a 4-1 margin against New Zealand.

The Green Shirts could secure only one victory in the third match, thanks to a sublime century from opener Hasan Nawaz.

Except for one match, New Zealand completely dominated Pakistan in all departments of the game. The Pakistani batting line-up, comprising emerging batters, faltered and could not take the team out of trouble.

On the bowling side, the Pakistani bowlers also faced challenges in restricting the New Zealand batting line-up.

While speaking on a digital platform, Salman Butt highlighted the inexperience of T20 players, stating that it’s is too early to judge them.

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“It is too early for us to judge the T20 players. You have sent them at a place where they have no experience. Play them in the Bangladesh series in conditions where they have performed previously, ” he said.

The former opener added that the upcoming World Cup will be in Asian conditions, and the players sent to New Zealand should be tested here.

“Even the World Cup will be in similar conditions, judge them on performance here, otherwise it is like you are going into Islamiat exam with preparation of Chemistry’s exam,” said Salman.

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Salman Butt calls out Pakistan’s critics for ‘misleading’ strike rate debate

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has voiced his concerns over the ongoing debate about intent and strike rate in batting, calling out cricket analysts for misleading fans just for engagement.

After Pakistan’s disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, many cricket analysts and former cricketers criticised the team’s cautious batting approach and lack of intent, which led to their exit in the group stage.

However, Salman Butt, in a video on his YouTube channel, stated that discussions should focus on skillset first, rather than just intent and strike rate.

“Intent and strike rate are the results of a batsman’s progressive excellence,” said Butt.

“When a player develops the skill to play a single delivery in multiple areas and reaches a high level of competence, only then does the conversation around intent and execution hold value.”

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He emphasized that skill development and the right resources are prerequisites for executing an aggressive style of play.

Drawing an analogy, he said, “I may have the intent to buy a Rolls-Royce, but if I don’t have the money, can I buy it? No. Similarly, intent alone is not enough in cricket; skill and capability must come first.”

Salman Butt also took a swipe at certain television analysts and social media personalities, accusing them of making sensational claims for viewership rather than genuine cricketing insight.

“Who are the people driving this narrative in Pakistan? Are they highly educated or deeply knowledgeable about the game? No. 99.9% of them are pushing these arguments for TRPs and social media engagement,” he remarked.

“Their goal is to appear as if they care more about the team than anyone else because that’s what generates views—and views bring money.”

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Butt, while addressing the former players, urged for adapting a more constructive approach, calling for action beyond mere criticism.

“If you are a former player, take real steps instead of just making statements. Work for the game beyond personal gains. Words alone won’t bring change,” he added.

While advocating for accountability, he stressed the need to respect current players.

“Cricket criticism is justified, and players should be held accountable for their performances,” he further stated.

“However, they should not be disrespected or humiliated. The legends of the past were given their due respect, and today’s players deserve the same. Criticize, but do so with decency.”

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Salman Butt slams Pakistan cricket team after defeat to India

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt criticized Pakistan’s team approach after their crushing defeat against arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan suffered a crushing six-wicket defeat on Sunday against the arch-rivals India, leaving their title defence hanging by a thread.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

While speaking in a post-match show, Butt highlighted the green shirts’ struggles, lately, lamenting the team’s repetitive failures without learning.

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“The issue is not just losing, but the fact that there is no improvement. If mistakes keep changing, it means you are trying new things.”

“But Pakistan don’t seem to know how to construct an innings, post a total, or chase one in ODI format,” he said.

The former opener took a dig at the Pakistan team’s batting approach against India, arguing that the team failed to grab the advantage of winning the toss and batting first.

“We win the toss, bat first, and get five players set, yet no one scores big. Every other team has had at least one or two centurions, but no Pakistani batter has produced a match-winning innings,” he added.

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Salman Butt noted that the team’s bowling unit could not pose a threat to the Indian batter and failed to deliver against them in a crucial match.

“We started well with the ball, but once Rohit Sharma stepped forward and attacked, our bowlers lost control. When batters use their feet, bowlers need to adjust, but Pakistan’s attack struggled under pressure,” he observed.

For the unversed, after the defeat against India, the hosts and defending champion Pakistan are on the verge of elimination from the tournament.

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Salman Butt comments on Babar Azam playing as opener in Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has raised concerns about the rumors suggesting that Babar Azam might open the innings in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The announcement of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy is just around the corner, sparking various rumors in the media.

There are speculations that Babar Azam will take on the role of Pakistan’s opening batter in the absence of Saim Ayub, who suffered an unfortunate ankle injury during the second Test against South Africa.

However, Salman Butt believes such a move would not only be unfair to Babar but could also backfire strategically.

“I hope it’s only a rumor, and the selectors are not thinking this way because it’s unfair and, strategically, it can backfire,” said Butt in a video on his YouTube channel.

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“We used proper openers in the difficult conditions, and now when we are going to play in suitable conditions where batters can score runs, where Pakistan needs a good start from the top and stability in the middle overs.

“Babar Azam can provide that stability [in the middle-order] to last in 50-over cricket.”

He further questioned the selectors’ thought process, highlighting the lack of a solid middle-order backup for Babar.

“Why are you trying to expose Babar early? Do we even have a backup for him in the middle order? Didn’t we see in the South Africa series how crucial Babar and Rizwan’s partnerships in the middle were?” he questioned.

“I think we should go with proper openers, and Babar Azam should play at his usual position. That’s where he’s proven to be most effective.”

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Wasim, Waqar, or Shoaib? Salman Butt names the most complete Pakistani bowler

Former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt recently shared his thoughts on the most complete fast bowler among the legendary trio of Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis.

Each of these bowlers is revered as one of the greatest in the history of cricket, having struck fear into the hearts of even the most accomplished batters around the world during their careers.

With their devastating speed, exceptional skill, and remarkable accuracy, they have left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing the art of fast bowling in its finest form.

During a recent appearance on a local podcast, Salman Butt, who has played alongside all three bowlers, was asked to name the most complete bowler among them. The former captain highlighted that each bowler possesses unique qualities, making direct comparisons difficult.

“Look, Shoaib Bhai wasn’t just fast; he was a wonderful bowler with exceptional mental sharpness. He was always threatening and had all the skills,” Salman remarked.

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“Wasim Bhai and Waqar Bhai were not only express fast bowlers, but they could swing the ball, seam it, and execute deadly reverse swing. They had the ability to shatter toes and split helmets, such complete bowlers are unmatched.”

Salman Butt emphasized that these bowlers possess exceptional skills and talents that set them apart, making it impossible to draw comparisons with any bowler who represented Pakistan after them.

“You cannot compare anyone who came later with the category these three fall into. Especially Wasim and Waqar, the way they sustained their performances over such a long period is remarkable. The era in which they played and carried themselves is without parallel,” he added.

The former captain also highlighted the fitness levels of Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis, sharing examples of how they maintained high bowling speeds even as they neared the end of their illustrious careers.

“Wasim Bhai played his last World Cup in 2003 in South Africa and was still bowling at speeds of 137-138 km/h at the age of 40, something today’s bowlers struggle with. Waqar was no different in terms of his enduring brilliance,” he stated.

“Shoaib Bhai, despite his injuries, was bowling over 150 km/h in the 2011 World Cup in India at the age of 38-39. Such feats are rarely seen these days.”

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‘They look like mummies’: Salman Butt takes a dig at Pakistan players’ fitness

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt subtly criticized the fitness levels of Pakistani players, comparing them to “Egyptian mummies.”

Yesterday, Aaqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan, shared that top-order batter Fakhar Zaman is dealing with some fitness issues and will be back in the team once he achieves full recovery.

Salman Butt, in a recent video on his official YouTube channel, spoke about Fakhar’s injury, while also raising concerns regarding the fitness levels of Pakistan’s players.

The former captain urged Pakistan players to embrace strength training as a crucial part of their fitness regimen.

“Yes, he [Aqib Javed] talked about Fakhar Zaman. We all know about his knee injury, but I think with age, Fakhar needs to work on his strength,” said Butt. “I’m telling you, every single one of our players needs to do strength training to stay fit as they grow older.”

He further explained that merely running is not enough, while emphasizing the importance of building muscle to enhance the player’s performance in modern-day cricket.

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“Whether it’s Fakhar or any other player, the way things are going now, they need strength training. It’s as simple as that. Just running isn’t going to achieve anything,” he added.

Salman Butt expressed strong criticism regarding the excessive use of athletic tapes, comparing players to Egyptian mummies.

“I look at these players and I’m amazed—there’s [athletic] tape on their knees, tape on their legs. They look less like athletes and more like mummies from the movies, wrapped in so many tapes,” he remarked.

The former captain emphasized the significance of muscle strength and encouraged players to develop their muscles, as this will help them prevent injuries and enhance their athletic performance.

“Instead of wrapping your bones with tape, wrap them with muscle. Don’t fear gaining muscle weight—muscle is heavier than fat, but it protects your bones, and it enhances your agility, speed, power, and explosive strength,” he stated.

“If you want to enhance your career and compete at a higher level. Whether you’re 18 or 35, this is essential for every player,” he concluded.

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