Salman Butt Released From Prison

The disgraced former Pakistani captain Salman Butt received a new lease of life when he got discharged from prison 23 months before his scheduled time. Butt, who was charged with match fixing, was imprisoned for a period of 30 months, and is also serving a five-year ban on playing cricket. The release means that Butt cannot return to the UK in the next 10 years. The tainted opening batsman is due to arrive in Pakistan by Thursday night.

In statements to the press, his lawyer said, "He is due to arrive back in Pakistan later this evening and will begin rebuilding his life and hopes to return to cricket. Salman Butt has had to endure a great deal of suffering, strain, pressure and humiliation over many months both personally and on behalf of his family. His return back home will allow Salman to spend time with his family and relatives. He will get to see and hold his son whom he has not seen since his birth in November last year. He can now return to his beloved homeland, start to rebuild his reputation and begin the long process in his efforts to return back to top-level cricket."

After Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Asif, Salman Butt is the third person from the spot fixing scandal who has been released from prison. The chief conspirator and agent, Mazhar Majeed, however is still in prison serving his 32-month punishment period.