PSL franchises unhappy with inclusion of Salman Butt in PSL commentary

Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: A new controversy has emerged over the inclusion of former Pakistan captain Salman Butt in the official PSL commentary panel.

Reports suggest that several franchise owners have expressed strong disapproval, citing his past involvement in the infamous 2010 spot-fixing scandal.

The issue was first brought to light by journalist Saleem Khaliq, who revealed that the franchise owners were concerned about Butt’s criminal history.

In 2010, Butt, along with Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, was found guilty of conspiring to deliberately bowl no-balls during the Lord’s Test against England.

The trio was banned from international cricket, though Amir made a successful return to the national team, while Asif moved to the United States.

The former opening batter, meanwhile, has remained active in domestic cricket, overseeing the Ghani Glass Institute of Cricket in Lahore.

Sources close to the matter revealed that PSL franchises were taken aback when they learned of Butt’s appointment to the commentary team.

The franchises reportedly sent a joint letter to a management, urging the exclusion of individuals with unethical or criminal backgrounds to protect the reputation.

However, PSL and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials have downplayed the controversy.

League representatives have clarified that Butt will only provide commentary in Urdu, suggesting that his past may not be widely discussed outside Pakistan.

This is not the first time that the involvement of the former Pakistani captain in cricket has sparked public backlash.

Last year, his brief appointment as an advisor to then-chief selector Wahab Riaz was met with strong criticism, prompting the PCB to reverse the decision swiftly.

As PSL X approaches, this fresh controversy highlights the ongoing challenge for cricket to balance redemption with reputational risks, both on and off the field.