ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt continues to be hopeful of a second chance to play international cricket after impressive domestic form since his return from his spot-fixing ban. The 33-year-old said Monday he was eager to represent Pakistan at the top level once again. “I want to utilise my form and fitness for Pakistan team. The motivation to play international cricket again keeps me going,” he said, adding that he had been working “extremely hard for the past seven years to prove himself”. The batsman said he was disappointed by the vague answers he had been receiving about the possibility of his return. “I have been performing consistently in domestic cricket. I don’t know why I am still not given a chance.” Salman returned to domestic cricket in January 2016, after serving a five-year ban for his role in the spot-fixing scandal in England in 2010, along with fast bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir. He was 26 when he was banned, with 33 Tests, 78 ODIs and 24 T20Is to his name. Amir has since been reintegrated into international cricket, whereas Asif has been playing in domestic circuit after serving his ban. About Amir’s return, Salman said the young pacer had potential to be even better and achieve more. “Amir is a spearhead of Pakistan bowling. I believe he can be even better than he is right now.” Published in Daily Times, December 12th 2017.