Salman Butt hopeful of Pak return post twin domestic tons

Karachi [Pakistan], Dec.16 (ANI):Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, who served a five-year ban for his involvement in 2010 spot-fixing scandal, believes he has knocked the door very hard for his return to international cricket by scoring twin centuries in Quaid-e-Azam trophy final on Thursday. "I have knocked the door (of international cricket) very hard and hope this will pave my way for return to (the) Pakistan team," the Dawn quoted Butt as saying. The 32-year-old, who was playing in his first major first-class tournament since his spot-fixing ban ended in September last year, struck 125 and 105 not out in the two innings of the match to help Water and Development Authority (WAPDA) settle with a draw against Habib Bank on the fifth day of the final of Quaid-e-Azam trophy. However, WAPDA went on to win the match on the basis of a first-innings lead of 42, thus lifting their maiden title in the tournament's 62-year history. Expressing his desire to be a part of every squad, Butt said he is trying to keep himself fit and perform to the best of his abilities in order to attract national selectors' attention. "I want to keep myself fit and keep my form alive. I am trying my best with the best of my intention. I have a wish and always want to be in every squad. I have the capacity but that is something the selectors have to tell and decide," he said. Butt, along with fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, was found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lord's Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal in February 2011. Although Amir has returned to the national team in impressive style against New Zealand in January this year, Asif and Butt remained sidelined and are yet to be considered for Pakistan selection. Last month, Pakistan's chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq had indicated that Butt and Asif would only be considered for selection after they play in first-class matches. Butt is likely to be selected for Pakistan's tour of the West Indies, featuring three-match ODI series and two Twenty20Is in March-April next year.(ANI)