Salman Butt returns home after prison release

---

(Srilankamirror) – Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, who was convicted of spot-fixing, has returned back to Pakistan after being released from prison seven months into his 30 month sentence, his lawyers say.

Around 200 fans carrying banners and chanting slogans in support of Butt gathered at Lahore’s international airport as Butt made his way through the airport.

Addressing the media, Butt thanked those who supported him during difficult times and vowed to clear his name from the spot-fixing charges that derailed his career.

“I am thankful to all those who helped me in my difficult times and I hope that my tough days are over. I am desperate to see my second son who I have not seen since his birth,” said Butt of his son, born on November 3, the day he was sentenced.

“I have no links with spot-fixing and my only mistake was that I did not make a complaint against those who made offers. I am consulting my legal advisers and will decide on when to appeal against the ICC ban…I want to come back as a good person and cricketer,” he said”

The 27-year-old was imprisoned for 30 months in November on charges of accepting corrupt payments during the Lord’s Test against England in August 2010.

Butt, teammates Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer, and agent Mazhar Majeed were accused of arranging deliberate no-balls in return for money.

Aamer was released in February after serving half his six-month sentence while Asif, jailed for 12 months, was freed in May.