Pak to monitor Butt’s form in domestic tournament for international recall

Johannesburg: Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has confirmed that he would monitor Salman Butt’s performance along with the national selectors during the upcoming domestic one-day tournament with a view to select him for the England tour later this summer.

31-year-old Butt, who has recently returned in action in the domestic cricket, was banned for five years by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal on February 5, 2011, for his involvement in spot-fixing during the Lords Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010.

Affirming that Butt could be a good prospect for the England tour, Misbah said the tainted batsman has been playing really well in the recent times and has managed to score ample runs after his comeback.

The skipper pointed out that he could hardly see any difference in Butt’s performance since he left the national squad, insisting that they are looking forward to his form in the Pakistan Cup,Sport24 reported.

Pakistan’s hope of recalling their former skipper against England could be dented by the UK Home Office as their law states that a convicted criminal could not be granted a visa and could not enter the country for 10 years from the end of their prison sentence.

Pakistan will play four-match Test series against England starting from July 14 at the Lord’s. (ANI)