Salman Butt to focus on commentary after losing hope for Pakistan Test return

Pakistan opener Salman Butt has decided to shift his focus to commentary after losing hope for a return to the Test format with the national side.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Butt has decided against playing this season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and will, instead, do commentary for the same tournament from the fourth round, starting on November 20.

"I understand that I don't have a future with Pakistan," said Butt. "I played cricket with distinction and have scored heavily since my return. There has been a purpose to re-earn a place [in the national side] and the context of my performance is to play for the national team.”

“This year, I questioned myself: 'What I am doing, why I am playing? What is the purpose if I play yet another season?' I gave a serious thought and realistically I know they are not going to pick me. So I (would) rather explore something where I can contribute and excel to make a difference,” he added.

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It must be noted that Butt, who also skipped the recently concluded National T20 Cup, is still available for the limited-overs formats.

Former Pakistan captain, Butt, had orchestrated the deliberate no-balls, during the 2010 Test at Lord's, in return for money offered by undercover journalist Mazhar Majeed posing as a bookmaker.

Butt, along with pacer Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, was tried in a London court for offences under the Gambling Act and the trio were jailed in November 2011. The Lahore-born was also banned for five years and had returned to Pakistan cricket setup in January 2016.