As Butt prepared to leave Pakistan for Doha, PakPassion.net spoke with the southpaw who captained Pakistan to 2 test victories in England last summer including victory over Australia in Leeds in his debut test as skipper.

 by Saj Sadiq

03 January 2011

Former Pakistan captain's cricketing career hangs in the balance and by Saturday he is likely to know on "what ground he is standing on".

One of three cricketers to have spot fixing charges made against him, Butt faces discredit from the game of cricket, with some reports claiming that a life ban will be issued on Saturday in Doha.

As Butt prepared to leave Pakistan for Doha, PakPassion.net spoke with the southpaw who captained Pakistan to 2 test victories in England last summer including victory over Australia in Leeds in his debut test as skipper.

"Neither my lawyer Yasin Patel or I have any prior indication of how the outcome will turn out. We'll have to wait till the 5th just like everyone else." stated Butt

The spot fixing hearing outcome was not announced after the end of the hearing as the player's lawyer(s) wanted thorough clarification on the basis of the justice's decision, resulting in a delay in the announcement and the hearing having to reconvene on 5th February. Butt added that there had been no further requests for clarification on any of his evidence or statements from justices Albie Sachs, Sharad Rao and Michael Beloff, QC.

"They (ICC or Michael Beloff QC) have not been in touch with Yasin or I regarding clarification on any statements that I have submitted or any of my evidence at the hearing" stated Butt.

Briefly interrupted by the murmurings of his son brought a reminder to me that the hearing isn't just about Salman Butt, or Asif or Amir, but also about how the hearing will impact on the families of all three cricketers and how it will affect their futures.

Butt speaking of the travel arrangements interestingly added "There is only one flight to Doha from Pakistan and that leaves in a few hours time. I guess Amir and I will be on the same flight, but I have no idea of Asif's travel arrangements".

The world of cricket waits with waited breath and Albie Sachs, Sharad Rao and Michael Beloff, QC, the justices who listened to the testimony in January will make their findings public on Saturday, although Saturday could not be the end of the prolonged matter as all three players are expected to launch an appeak to the CAS, if they are unhappy with the outcome of the hearing.