Shahid Afridi opposes Salman Butt's international return

Afridi, who was more than supportive of Mohammad Amir's return to the side, is reportedly starkly against giving Butt a second chance. © AFP

Shahid Afridi, Pakistan's Twenty20 International (T20I) captain, didn't seem too thrilled with the idea of Salman Butt making a return to the national squad, a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed. 

Butt was in contention for a return to international cricket after completing a five-year ban for spot-fixing last September. 

"Butt met with chief selector Haroon Rasheed last night in Lahore," said the source on Sunday (March 6) "The situation is that members of the Pakistan team have also indicated they have no problems with Butt joining the team but Afridi is not in favour of his inclusion." 

The source also revealed that Butt was being considered for the World T20 after Pakistan's dismal outing in the Asia Cup with the bat. 

"The selectors are desperate to find a solution to the opening problem in the Pakistan team and will also certainly recall experienced opener Ahmed Shehzad. Salman Butt is also under consideration," the source said.

Afridi, who was more than supportive of Mohammad Amir's return to the side, is reportedly starkly against giving Butt a second chance. It is alleged that Shaharyar Khan, the PCB chairman, and Najam Sethi will meet Afridi in Lahore to try and convince him for the same. 

"Afridi blames Butt for the spot-fixing scandal that shook Pakistan cricket in England in 2010, even though the former Test captain has twice apologised to the allrounder for his misdeeds," the source said."Afridi has strong belief that Butt instigated and spoilt Amir and should not be allowed to get back into the Pakistan team soon," he added.

Butt said he was keen on reviving his international career and acknowledged his mistake, knowing well where Afridi's ire stemmed from. "I know what I did was wrong and I have served punishment for it. I am a changed person and I have apologised to the entire nation, PCB and the team members, including Afridi, for what happened in 2010," he said.

"Afridi is my senior and I have apologised to him whenever I met him. I am mentally prepared for a comeback. The rest is up to the selectors. But I am not keeping any high hopes," Butt added.

The source also added that important decisions could be expected when the board and selectors met on Monday in Lahore.