Is there any embargo on selecting them: Asif wants to ask ICC

Karachi: Pakistan’s Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif are considering an option of writing to the ICC to confirm whether the governing body has any reservations over their selection for international cricket.

The two players who were banned for spot-fixing in 2011 along with Muhammad Aamir for five-years are presently playing domestic cricket but have not been considered for national selection.

In contrast Aamir was allowed to make a comeback in December 2015.

“There have been rumors and speculations that the PCB is reluctant to select us because of some issues with the ICC. We might write to the ICC directly to confirm if this is true. If there is any problem over our selection,” Asif told PTI on Sunday.

Butt a former Pakistan captain and considered the ring leader of the spot-fixing scandal said he was also feeling down at such reports that he and Asif might never be selected again for Pakistan because of reservations involving the PCB, ICC and others.

“I don’t know whether they are true but I will consult my lawyers and I could also write a letter to the ICC just seeking a clarification if there is any reservations over us being considered for international competition again,” Butt told PTI.

He however conceded that he and Asif needed to also produce big performances in domestic cricket to nudge the selectors.

Butt said that having played international cricket and performed in the past they deserved a call up atleast for a training camp so that the selectors could check them out and their fitness.

The two players were also named in the Pakistan Super League draft but not picked up by any franchise. Asif also said that he is not at ease with the prevailing situation.

“I have served my ban and if I perform well I want to know I can get a fair shot at making a comeback. I could ask the ICC to just clear the situation about us,” he said.

“I just want to know that if we perform the selectors will consider us properly and invite us for camps.”

Asif has become vocal and active in the media once again after remaining quiet for months and avoiding making any statements.

The successful seamer minced no words in stating that had not given up hope of making a comeback on sheer performance.

“The current lot of bowlers they are not performing as expected. I am not impressed with them. Some players have God gifted abilities and others have to work hard to achieve success. The current lot disappointed with their performances and efforts in New Zealand. I’ve played a full season now but I didn’t see anything special be it Rahat [Ali] or Imran Khan or Sohail Khan.”

The pacer also lamented that constantly having to play in UAE had done Pakistan more harm than good.

“It has not helped our batsmen develop properly and true we have won lot of matches in UAE with the help of mostly spinners but it has hurt our cricket,” Asif added.

The lanky pacer said former greats like Muhammad Yousuf, Inzamam and others had the ability to adapt to different conditions but the Pakistan batting was badly exposed in New Zealand.

“Our batting has faced regular collapses everywhere even in UAE and that is something that needs to be looked at closely. Is playing in the UAE helping us,” he concluded with a question.

PTI