In pictures: Butt, Asif return to the cricket field after five years

E-Paper | July 22, 2026

HYDERABAD: Pakistan's former skipper Salman Butt smashed a century while left-armer Mohammad Asif picked up two wickets in their victorious joint return to domestic cricket on Sunday, months after they completed five-year bans for spot-fixing.

Mohammad Asif celebrates after taking a wicket. — AFP

Salman Butt leaves the field after a century stand. — AFP

Salman Butt looks the ball closely during his comeback innings. — AFP

Salman Butt gets all set to play a cut shot. — AFP

Butt makes sure he does not get dehydrated during his comeback innings. — AFP

The tainted left-handed batsman flicks the ball around his legs. — AFP

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Jan 10, 2016 07:59pm

All the best to both of U , amir and whole pak team from Indian side of kashmir...

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dawn

Jan 10, 2016 08:13pm

Please keep these two OUT.

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Ali

Jan 10, 2016 08:36pm

they served their sentences, so they deserves the right to earn their bread n butter!

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Adnan Mazher Khan

Jan 10, 2016 08:47pm

I want Asif back in team as soon as possible.

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E Miran

Jan 10, 2016 08:47pm

Educated, generally well-off Captain of the National team gets involved in spot fixing, coerces at least one, if not two, team members to participate, gets caught red handed, denies any real involvement, shows no remorse to this day, acts smug about the whole affair, continues to deny any involvement, and is now allowed to play the game. Has a great future ahead as a politician in the Land of the Pure.

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My been

Jan 10, 2016 09:16pm

Welcome back fellows please get back on the driving seat. The Afridis and Akmals and professors have taken this team towards darkness. Any one of u can chose to take the lead and be a match winner any given day.

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N_Saq

Jan 10, 2016 09:25pm

Well again follow the policy, rules and regulation etc. However, I am not sure about Salman but Pak definitely needs Asif to again pair with Amir. The best fast bowling duo of recent times...

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Syed

Jan 10, 2016 10:46pm

They are one of those who actually served their punishments. Its a hard one to swallow however, they right thing to do is to move forward. Also, for those who think they should be allowed back, the fair thing to do would be to give them life bans at the time of the incident. lets be a bit forgiving. Will only make us better people.

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nasir

Jan 10, 2016 11:17pm

Asif is not left armer

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Philosopher (from Japan)

Jan 11, 2016 01:46am

I hate to see these cheaters. Please don't allow them green shirts. Never ever.

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aftab@UK

Jan 11, 2016 04:22am

@E Miran Players' individual violations have nothing to do with their country or nation. They hurt themselves by throwing no balls and being set up by a newspaper that has been shut down for the doing similar thing against more powerful elements. Here's how you can blame the country - if this was part of PCB plan, or according to the Constitution of the Board or country (like, suppression of minorities is). The poor guys have suffered a lot. Let them play.

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Icon of Honesty

Jan 11, 2016 06:09am

Both must return to national side based on their performance only.

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Shan

Jan 11, 2016 06:55am

Why the hell PCB let their players use national team helmet and hats.

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Satya

Jan 11, 2016 07:45am

Why these match fixers given a chance again. This is selfish and unfare to other honest talents.