Haroon Rashid-Salman Butt meeting creates stir in cricket circles

LAHORE: Reports about a meeting between Pakistan’s chief selector Haroon Rashid and former captain Salman Butt triggered a tussle among administration of the national team, sources said on Sunday.

According to our correspondents Yahya Hussaini and Abdul Majid Bhatti, head-coach Waqar Younis is putting his weight behind Butt to captain the side following a dismal performance in Asia Cup T20 with World T20 just around the corner.

T20 skipper Shahid Afridi, who is facing severe criticism for the team’s current downfall, has however strongly dismissed the idea of playing Salman Butt – vying to make an international comeback after serving a 5-year ban over spot-fixing scandal.

Afridi has reportedly refused to play in Butt’s presence in the team.

The Rashid-Butt meeting reportedly took place at the latter’s residence last night, giving strength to the reports regarding his likely return to the national squad due to continuous failure of opening batsmen.

Haroon Rashid also reportedly contacted fellow selectors and the team management over Butt’s return to the side.