Presenting Salman Butt the umpire and future match referee

[MenInG]

So Salman Butt knows fully well his career is over and is now trying other ways of staying relevant to the game.

He is part of a PCB organized umpiring course as below:


As many as 49 cricketers were part of the online Level-1 Umpiring course for umpires and match officials which began today. These cricketers include Pakistan internationals – Abdul Rauf, Bilal Asif and Salman Butt.

A total of 350 personnel are taking part in the course and they are being provided training by the match referees from PCB’s Elite and Supplementary panels.

The participants will be provided knowledge about the basic umpiring rules, regulations and laws of the game before undergoing written tests, fitness tests and interviews.

This initiative is part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s promise to increase the employment opportunities for former cricketers and the candidates who successfully complete the course will be eligible to officiate club and school games.

So seems that apart from being an umpire, he has aspirations to become a match referee.

Will he/should he be allowed to officiate an international game? Won't all his decisions be viewed with suspicion?

 

[Golden arm]

Vow amazing
You love him or hate him that man has guts passion and perseverance to be useful

 

[street cricketer]

I get that Salman tarnished Pakistan's name in the international game along with Asif and Amir and that's definitely not something easy to forgive for fans.

But I don't think he should be hounded for life for doing that one terrible mistake and should be given another chance to reform and get rehabilitated in the game, even if not as a player. I know it's an unpopular opinion but that's just my thoughts. Tbh I've always admired his insight into the game which is a bit different to the typical jazba and junoon Pakistani experts on talk shows.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

You can tell PCB cares about their image by regularly associating themselves with this tainted fixer.

Also, am I the only one who sees the irony in this? The match-fixer who deliberately cheated the game is now going to enforce its rules? You can't write this stuff up.

 

[Slim]

You can tell PCB cares about their image by regularly associating themselves with this tainted fixer.

Also, am I the only one who sees the irony in this? The match-fixer who deliberately cheated the game is now going to enforce its rules? You can't write this stuff up.

Best post on this topic.

 

[Savak]

Everyone deserves to start afresh once they have served their punishment. Like Shoaib Akhtar said the guy went to prison, lost his career and was barred from playing for Pakistan again, Butt saw the writing on the wall and has given up playing for Pakistan again and is looking to the future now.

He should be allowed to earn a living

 

[MesonK]

Its sounds like a movie. A tainted con, redeems himself by becoming a cop.

 

[Babar_Azam_fan]

As long as it's only for domestic & PSL, I am fine. He should never officiate an international match.

 

[adarsh_bang]

As long as it's only for domestic & PSL, I am fine. He should never officiate an international match.

Why so?
If he isn't fit/appropriate for the role, that should be the case everywhere.
Similarly if he's fit for it, that should be the case in domestic, PSL and international too, don't you think?

 

[sam_ahm]

You guys want to hang him or starve him to death?

Let him live for heaven's sake.

 

[topspin]

You guys want to hang him or starve him to death?

Let him live for heaven's sake.

I can guarantee Salman Butt has more integrity than some of the posters here who are calling for his head.

 

[Rana]

The man deserves a chance to put things right in his life. He hasn’t murdered someone!

 

[Mamoon]

If Amir and Sharjeel can be allowed to play and Wasim can be allowed to coach, why can’t Butt officiate?

 

[Mamoon]

Also, am I the only one who sees the irony in this? The match-fixer who deliberately cheated the game is now going to enforce its rules? You can't write this stuff up.

If the greatest fraud and con-artist in history (Frank Abagnale) can work with the FBI and even train agents in the FBI academy, a match-fixer can also become an umpire.

 

[Varun]

If the greatest fraud and con-artist in history (Frank Abagnale) can work with the FBI and even train agents in the FBI academy, a match-fixer can also become an umpire.

Frank Abagnale was too good for the FBI. Salman Butt was a below par cricketer at best.

 

[Mamoon]

Frank Abagnale was too good for the FBI. Salman Butt was a below par cricketer at best.

But he could prove to be a top class umpire though. Aleem Dar, Pakistan’s greatest umpire, was a failure at domestic level and was not remotely close to getting an international cap.

If Butt is interesting in becoming an umpire/match official, he should not be denied the opportunity, especially when PCB has no qualms over bending over backwards to appease fixers. It is tradition for us.

 

[Rajdeep]

The man deserves a chance to put things right in his life. He hasn’t murdered someone!

Yes and no one is calling him a murderer either. He can do a lots of other things in life but not officiating the game for heavens sake. The same game from where he was banned for life for breaking rules. Dont you see the irony here...lol.

A lopsided arguement can be, if Amir-Sharjeel etc allowed back, then why not Butt. Now thats fair counter arguement but two wrongs dont make it right.

If Butt becomes umpire it will be a mockery of the game. Maybe, 1st time in history we will see players sledging the umpire

 

[Varun]

If Butt becomes umpire it will be a mockery of the game. Maybe, 1st time in history we will see players sledging the umpire

Imagine some T10 game where Butt is officiating, and Amir charges in to bowl to Sharjeel and oversteps by a mile.

Bonus: Mohammad Asif is commentating and Wasim Akram is team manager.

 

[sam_ahm]

Yes and no one is calling him a murderer either. He can do a lots of other things in life but not officiating the game for heavens sake. The same game from where he was banned for life for breaking rules. Dont you see the irony here...lol.

A lopsided arguement can be, if Amir-Sharjeel etc allowed back, then why not Butt. Now thats fair counter arguement but two wrongs dont make it right.

If Butt becomes umpire it will be a mockery of the game. Maybe, 1st time in history we will see players sledging the umpire

Banned for life? When did that happen?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

You guys want to hang him or starve him to death?

Let him live for heaven's sake.

He is free to pursue any other career outside of cricket.

Having a convicted fixer as an umpire will only tarnish the already tarnished image of Pakistani cricket even further.

These former fixers aren't worth the reputational damage. Sure the old guard got away with it ( not just in Pakistan but other countries) but in the modern game no country can associate with such tarnished individuals.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Good for him to find a new avenue. A bit strange to see Bilal Asif's name there. He could try spin coaching as well, spin coaches esp in subcontinent are rare.

 

[mazkhan]

Butt was not a rubbish batsmen he had ability one of the best back foot players to come out of pakistan hence is good record against australian quicks he had natural talent never did it justice and sold out for a few pounds

 

[Golden arm]

He is free to pursue any other career outside of cricket.

Having a convicted fixer as an umpire will only tarnish the already tarnished image of Pakistani cricket even further.

These former fixers aren't worth the reputational damage. Sure the old guard got away with it ( not just in Pakistan but other countries) but in the modern game no country can associate with such tarnished individuals.

Plus the Mafias who entangled him through their dirty tricks they will never let him go without exploiting his weaknesses.

Umpiring is the most sensitive job and I am afraid he will be abused and misused by these dirty ruthless mafias who even threaren you with killing your families.

Any one remembers firing at Wasim Akrams family in Lahore and I guess that's one of the reason he moved to Karachi

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

If the greatest fraud and con-artist in history (Frank Abagnale) can work with the FBI and even train agents in the FBI academy, a match-fixer can also become an umpire.

The reason law-enforcement agencies like the FBI court frauds, con-artists and thieves is because no one understands the minds of frauds, con-artists and thieves quite like frauds, con-artists and thieves. They don't give these criminals a second chance out of the graciousness of their heart, they do it because they have the most to gain from it. And for the criminals its a simple choice between helping the feds or ending up in prison.

I don't see how that's comparable to a tainted fixer who has no remorse for his actions and is likely still despised by most people outside this country that are aware of his exploits.

I also don't see why the ICC would want to have a man of his reputation on their panel of umpires. Unlike us, other people actually care about these things. As for local umpiring jobs, I don't see why they shouldn't go to local umpires who you know, didn't indulge in match-fixing?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

If PCB are serious about making productive use of Salman Butt, they should assign him to the Anti-Corruption Unit.

Remember, no one understands the mind of a criminal quite like a criminal.

 

[shaz619]

I get that Salman tarnished Pakistan's name in the international game along with Asif and Amir and that's definitely not something easy to forgive for fans.

But I don't think he should be hounded for life for doing that one terrible mistake and should be given another chance to reform and get rehabilitated in the game, even if not as a player. I know it's an unpopular opinion but that's just my thoughts. Tbh I've always admired his insight into the game which is a bit different to the typical jazba and junoon Pakistani experts on talk shows.

Perhaps but the guy comes across as extremely defensive, I believe he generally has not shown much remorse and when he might have hard to feel it is genuine. This is why he wont find much sympathy

 

[street cricketer]

Perhaps but the guy comes across as extremely defensive, I believe he generally has not shown much remorse and when he might have hard to feel it is genuine. This is why he wont find much sympathy

Sharjeel Khan got a second chance at playing cricket. It's not like hes gonna represent Pakistan as a player. He probably should've done a bit of PR for his own good. Although I think he'll have a better career if he chooses commentating as a job.

 

[Slim]

Imagine some T10 game where Butt is officiating, and Amir charges in to bowl to Sharjeel and oversteps by a mile.

Bonus: Mohammad Asif is commentating and Wasim Akram is team manager.

Thats why PP is love, such creative gems are always fun to read. This sounds like a sitcom script btw but knowing us, it can easily be a reality too

 

[MesonK]

Imagine some T10 game where Butt is officiating, and Amir charges in to bowl to Sharjeel and oversteps by a mile.

Bonus: Mohammad Asif is commentating and Wasim Akram is team manager.

And Azharuddin, Jadeja, Mongia, Sreesanth, Prabarhkar (and other uncaught Indian Cons) are also on the field ...

 

[moghul]

There is a very simple rule, you cannot punish a person twice for the same crime .

Salman Butt received his severe punishment for the match fixing, now he can earn his money in any legal way he wants , at any role in cricket, unless he commits another crime .

 

[Shoaibbtt]

You can tell PCB cares about their image by regularly associating themselves with this tainted fixer.

Also, am I the only one who sees the irony in this? The match-fixer who deliberately cheated the game is now going to enforce its rules? You can't write this stuff up.

Yep, no way that guy gets back in cricket for me.

People keep using the argument why was Salman and Asif were not selected after the ban, the biggest difference is these guys tried maintaining their innocence. I will never want any of these snakes back in cricket in any form and deserve to be blacklisted for the rest of their days.

 

[hitthestump]

If PCB are serious about making productive use of Salman Butt, they should assign him to the Anti-Corruption Unit.

Remember, no one understands the mind of a criminal quite like a criminal.

Most people would support Salman in such a role. As it is it's like Salman thinks we should brush the spot fixing under the carpet and act like it never happened. Sorry, but no.

 

[gazza619]

He has no future in international cricket in any capacity.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Most people would support Salman in such a role. As it is it's like Salman thinks we should brush the spot fixing under the carpet and act like it never happened. Sorry, but no.

Haha I was kidding. Besides its not like he can tell them anything they don't already know.

In all honesty though, I just want him to disappear from the public eye. He has done so much damage to the reputation of Pakistan cricket that it would be best for Pakistan if he is never associated with Pakistan cricket again.

Its a shame that PCB doesn't recognize this. Because PCB's soft stance on match-fixing is part of the problem. As long as people like him and Sharjeel keep getting absolved and re-integrated back into the system, nothing is going to change.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yep, no way that guy gets back in cricket for me.

People keep using the argument why was Salman and Asif were not selected after the ban, the biggest difference is these guys tried maintaining their innocence. I will never want any of these snakes back in cricket in any form and deserve to be blacklisted for the rest of their days.

Unfortunately, the PCB doesn't share our contempt for cheats who tarnish the image of this country and this team. As long as that is the case I can easily see more players going down this road.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Unfortunately, the PCB doesn't share our contempt for cheats who tarnish the image of this country and this team. As long as that is the case I can easily see more players going down this road.

For me i would be frankly embarrassed coming back to work in which i humiliated myself.

This guy should be counting his lucky stars that he even got to play domestic cricket otherwise he'd be working in KFC or driving a rikshaw.

Honestly, i just found it pathetic when i heard him say on a BBC interview that "oh that money came from me promoting an ice cream franchise and so they gave me that".

It takes a real man to get up and accept his mistakes when he knows he's snookered and frankly none of Asif or Salman had the guts to do it. If they hadn't wasted the courts time then they could've got their sentence over and done with and maybe just maybe be re-selected for national duty.

I fume at the fact that popular channels still bring this snake on and actually value his opinion. He's a walking joke just like that Asif.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Everyone deserves to start afresh once they have served their punishment. Like Shoaib Akhtar said the guy went to prison, lost his career and was barred from playing for Pakistan again, Butt saw the writing on the wall and has given up playing for Pakistan again and is looking to the future now.

He should be allowed to earn a living

Ridiculous opinion.

So a murderer should be able to have a second shot at life as a judge since he paid for his mistake?

Or a convicted thief should be able to be a judge?

What kind of nonsense is this?

Sheesh.

No way this guy should be anywhere near the game. He can go make a living doing anything else.

Some people act as if he and his family will starve to death if he's not involved in cricket. News flash - no they won't.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

You guys want to hang him or starve him to death?

Let him live for heaven's sake.

I see. So if you don't want him to be an umpire or a referee, you are condemning him to death by hanging or preventing him from earning a living as any other human being has to earn a living.

Give me a break. What an ignorant strawman argument.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Butt was not a rubbish batsmen he had ability one of the best back foot players to come out of pakistan hence is good record against australian quicks he had natural talent never did it justice and sold out for a few pounds

Not that it's relevant to this thread but I suggest you go have a look at his awful test record before talking about how good a player he was.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

But he could prove to be a top class umpire though. Aleem Dar, Pakistan’s greatest umpire, was a failure at domestic level and was not remotely close to getting an international cap.

If Butt is interesting in becoming an umpire/match official, he should not be denied the opportunity, especially when PCB has no qualms over bending over backwards to appease fixers. It is tradition for us.

What?

What on earth has Aleem Dar got in common with Butt's cheating at cricket? Who cares if both played first class cricket....completely irrelevant. Most umpires have played first class cricket.


Why should Butt not be denied the opportunity to be a referee or Umpire. It sounds to me like you're saying that he should be allowed because Aleem Dar was allowed, because Aleem Dar played first class cricket but wasn't any good.

What the hell kind of argument is that? Even for your low standards, this is hilarious.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

There is a very simple rule, you cannot punish a person twice for the same crime .

Salman Butt received his severe punishment for the match fixing, now he can earn his money in any legal way he wants , at any role in cricket, unless he commits another crime .

I think a lot of people on this thread are confused.

Yes, he has a right to TRY to earning a living any way he wants, provided its allowed for a convicted criminal to hold that position.

But that does not mean that he DESERVES any job he wants or has some claim to any jobs he wants. If no one wants to hire him, or laws forbid a convict from holding certain positions, then that's too bad for him.

No one is denying that he should be able to earn a living in whatever way he wants. But any half decent employer (and not complete *****) would not put a convicted corrupt cricketer in charge of anything to do with the rules of the game or judging behaviour on the field.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Imagine Mohammed Amir bowling and Salman Butt standing as an umpire in the same match.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

For me i would be frankly embarrassed coming back to work in which i humiliated myself.

This guy should be counting his lucky stars that he even got to play domestic cricket otherwise he'd be working in KFC or driving a rikshaw.

Honestly, i just found it pathetic when i heard him say on a BBC interview that "oh that money came from me promoting an ice cream franchise and so they gave me that".

It takes a real man to get up and accept his mistakes when he knows he's snookered and frankly none of Asif or Salman had the guts to do it. If they hadn't wasted the courts time then they could've got their sentence over and done with and maybe just maybe be re-selected for national duty.

I fume at the fact that popular channels still bring this snake on and actually value his opinion. He's a walking joke just like that Asif.

That's because you might actually have some shame, or a conscience. This guy clearly does not. And I can understand him being a shameless person without a conscience. Everything he has done since 2010 has pointed towards that. But what angers me are the TV channels, certain fans and the PCB who are perfectly content sweeping this under the rug.

I also think he is very well-connected. Only that can explain how he keeps getting these opportunities whether its commentating, TV gigs, this umpiring course, or his selection in the PSL few seasons ago despite his atrocious T20 record. Even when he was on his last legs in domestic I can recall reading an article every now and then about how Salman Butt should be selected for the Pakistan test team.

I'm just glad that didn't happen.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

You can tell PCB cares about their image by regularly associating themselves with this tainted fixer.

Also, am I the only one who sees the irony in this? The match-fixer who deliberately cheated the game is now going to enforce its rules? You can't write this stuff up.

Oh man !! I can't even imagine the outrage in media if he gives a wrong decision at a crunch situation in a big match. He would give lifetime employment to masala journalists and conspiracy theorists. His each decision will be scrutinized. I wouldnt opt for umpiring if i was him. I have listened to his youtube channel quite a few times.He sounds logical and actually give good insights into the game. He should try getting into coaching/analyst role in PSL/IPL.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

That's because you might actually have some shame, or a conscience. This guy clearly does not. And I can understand him being a shameless person without a conscience. Everything he has done since 2010 has pointed towards that. But what angers me are the TV channels, certain fans and the PCB who are perfectly content sweeping this under the rug.

I also think he is very well-connected. Only that can explain how he keeps getting these opportunities whether its commentating, TV gigs, this umpiring course, or his selection in the PSL few seasons ago despite his atrocious T20 record. Even when he was on his last legs in domestic I can recall reading an article every now and then about how Salman Butt should be selected for the Pakistan test team.

I'm just glad that didn't happen.

All those people that still want him in terms of fans are either sorry to say "freshies" or as i call them "part time fans".

As the old saying goes for society "Money talks" and this guy is probably still loaded with his fixing money.

Sharaam and hyaa have unfortunately died in Pakistan and that's how you get all this happening. There is never an acceptance of mistakes, i mean look at Steve Smith the guy started crying over the whole ball tampering incident and that's not something i consider too big a deal.

Never once did i see these shameless human beings show one bit of remorse for their actions.

There are certain media outlets that give this fixer time on their channel but if those same channels actually had fan interactions from real fans they'd get slated for calling these types of people.

This is a step back from PCB and just goes to show there is no policy for fixers and that it's based all on money.

"Mujhay note dekha mera mood bunay"

 

[Mamoon]

What?

What on earth has Aleem Dar got in common with Butt's cheating at cricket? Who cares if both played first class cricket....completely irrelevant. Most umpires have played first class cricket.


Why should Butt not be denied the opportunity to be a referee or Umpire. It sounds to me like you're saying that he should be allowed because Aleem Dar was allowed, because Aleem Dar played first class cricket but wasn't any good.

What the hell kind of argument is that? Even for your low standards, this is hilarious.

My response was in the context of Varun’s post. He stated that Butt was a below par cricketer so there is no point in giving him a chance in umpiring.

My point was that your status as a cricketer says nothing about your credentials as an umpire, as we have seen with the likes of Dar.

I didn’t read the rest of the word salad. Probably not worth reading as usual.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

All those people that still want him in terms of fans are either sorry to say "freshies" or as i call them "part time fans".

As the old saying goes for society "Money talks" and this guy is probably still loaded with his fixing money.

Sharaam and hyaa have unfortunately died in Pakistan and that's how you get all this happening. There is never an acceptance of mistakes, i mean look at Steve Smith the guy started crying over the whole ball tampering incident and that's not something i consider too big a deal.

Never once did i see these shameless human beings show one bit of remorse for their actions.

There are certain media outlets that give this fixer time on their channel but if those same channels actually had fan interactions from real fans they'd get slated for calling these types of people.

This is a step back from PCB and just goes to show there is no policy for fixers and that it's based all on money.

"Mujhay note dekha mera mood bunay"

Oh man !! I can't even imagine the outrage in media if he gives a wrong decision at a crunch situation in a big match. He would give lifetime employment to masala journalists and conspiracy theorists. His each decision will be scrutinized. I wouldnt opt for umpiring if i was him. I have listened to his youtube channel quite a few times.He sounds logical and actually give good insights into the game. He should try getting into coaching/analyst role in PSL/IPL.

He's gonna end up on TV either way whether we like it or not. But thing is, at the end of the day he will always be a punch-line.

And I think I will get some satisfaction when he says something that someone doesn't like or agree with, and instead of countering his argument that person will just say: "...atleast I wasn't a match-fixer".

As long as someone keeps reminding people that he's a tainted match-fixer, I'll be reasonably happy. And believe me, its gonna happen many more times in the future.

 

[Savak]

He is free to pursue any other career outside of cricket.

Having a convicted fixer as an umpire will only tarnish the already tarnished image of Pakistani cricket even further.

These former fixers aren't worth the reputational damage. Sure the old guard got away with it ( not just in Pakistan but other countries) but in the modern game no country can associate with such tarnished individuals.

Get real, he doesn't have any other options outside Cricket.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

He's gonna end up on TV either way whether we like it or not. But thing is, at the end of the day he will always be a punch-line.

And I think I will get some satisfaction when he says something that someone doesn't like or agree with, and instead of countering his argument that person will just say: "...atleast I wasn't a match-fixer".

As long as someone keeps reminding people that he's a tainted match-fixer, I'll be reasonably happy. And believe me, its gonna happen many more times in the future.

Yep, Michael Vaughn hit him with it recently and that made me laugh lol.

Only simpletons actually have this guy come on their show or people who are desperate for subs.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Get real, he doesn't have any other options outside Cricket.

Well that's his problem. Many ex pros end up doing non cricketing jobs. The sport isnt big enough for every former cricketer to seek employment in the game, nor is anyone entitled to it.

He is semi wealthy and half educated. He is in a far better position than most of the public. He is even in a better position than those players who got chopped due to the FC team reduction.

In the grand scheme of things Butt is irrelevant to Pakistan cricket. Its better for the PCB to get rid of this guy completely from the system than to create a circus wherever he goes within the game.

 

[Savak]

Well that's his problem. Many ex pros end up doing non cricketing jobs. The sport isnt big enough for every former cricketer to seek employment in the game, nor is anyone entitled to it.

He is semi wealthy and half educated. He is in a far better position than most of the public. He is even in a better position than those players who got chopped due to the FC team reduction.

In the grand scheme of things Butt is irrelevant to Pakistan cricket. Its better for the PCB to get rid of this guy completely from the system than to create a circus wherever he goes within the game.

Not really. It's your problem if you don't like him getting an opportunity to work in Cricket. He has every right to earn his bread and butter the way he deems fit, no one can dictate anything to him.

In any case bigger fixers in our country got away with it because of their legendary status in the game and powerful status in Pakistani society. Butt has suffered enough

 

[Savak]

Yep, Michael Vaughn hit him with it recently and that made me laugh lol.

Only simpletons actually have this guy come on their show or people who are desperate for subs.

Lol Vaughan took a salty cheap shot because he had nothing else to retort too rather than the atleast I wasn't a fixer. Michael you were such a crap odi batsmen that bookies didn't deem it necessary to pay you to underperform given that you did it for free

 

[Maher96]

No better way to influence a cricket match than be a umpire. Don’t think he will ever run a ICC event but hey never say never.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Not really. It's your problem if you don't like him getting an opportunity to work in Cricket. He has every right to earn his bread and butter the way he deems fit, no one can dictate anything to him.

In any case bigger fixers in our country got away with it because of their legendary status in the game and powerful status in Pakistani society. Butt has suffered enough

Not really my problem either. Its a problem with Pakistan cricket.

The old timer fixers got away with it (not just Pakistanis). That chapter is closed. Nobody also has a right to earn bread however they see fit lol. If a bank manager wanted to come back to running the bank after serving time for robbing it he would be chased out of the building.

Modern cricket is different. No other country treats cheats and fixers with such a soft attitude and allowing cheats like Butt who are genuinley of no use to Pakistan cricket at all to weasel their way into cricketing jobs only damages the reputation of the team.

Perhaps you don't care about that. However, many of us do as it can just take one more scandal to knock us down to ground zero again. A has been like Salman isn't worth the reputational damage.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Lol Vaughan took a salty cheap shot because he had nothing else to retort too rather than the atleast I wasn't a fixer. Michael you were such a crap odi batsmen that bookies didn't deem it necessary to pay you to underperform given that you did it for free

You might be right about Vaughn but Salman Butt deserves a dig every time, the boy is a greedy crook.

 

[MenInG]

From PCB release:

As many as 49 cricketers among 346 personnel were part of the online Level-1 Umpiring course for umpires and match referees which took place from 7 to 25 June. These cricketers include Pakistan internationals – Abdul Rauf, Bilal Asif, Salman Butt and Shoaib Khan.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I get that Salman tarnished Pakistan's name in the international game along with Asif and Amir and that's definitely not something easy to forgive for fans.

But I don't think he should be hounded for life for doing that one terrible mistake and should be given another chance to reform and get rehabilitated in the game, even if not as a player. I know it's an unpopular opinion but that's just my thoughts. Tbh I've always admired his insight into the game which is a bit different to the typical jazba and junoon Pakistani experts on talk shows.

Quite a few English commentators were saddened with his involvement in the fixing business, because he actually presented very well as a Pakistan captain. Well spoken and intelligent, two qualities which aren't always associated with Pakistani cricketers.

 

[street cricketer]

Quite a few English commentators were saddened with his involvement in the fixing business, because he actually presented very well as a Pakistan captain. Well spoken and intelligent, two qualities which aren't always associated with Pakistani cricketers.

Which is why I hope he isn't sidelined completely. I think he can have a better career as a cricket pundit or a commentator but he probably likes umpiring more.

 

[street cricketer]

From PCB release:

As many as 49 cricketers among 346 personnel were part of the online Level-1 Umpiring course for umpires and match referees which took place from 7 to 25 June. These cricketers include Pakistan internationals – Abdul Rauf, Bilal Asif, Salman Butt and Shoaib Khan.

Is this Bilal Asif the offie who played for Pakistan a few years back?

 

[Golden arm]

Which is why I hope he isn't sidelined completely. I think he can have a better career as a cricket pundit or a commentator but he probably likes umpiring more.

He certainly has good communication skills and he knows them
But why he is going into umpiring knowing fully well his shadowy past and law and order situation in Pakistan he will be a treasure for bookies