Salman Butt gets an early release

Salman was found guilty last November of conspiracy to cheat and accept corrupt payments by ensuring no-balls were bowled at predetermined times in a Test match against England at Lord’s in August 2010. Two other Pakistan players,bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif,were also part of the plot and were given shorter jail sentences.

“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,” Butt’s barrister Yasin Patel said in a statement. “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.” the statement said.

Patel said Butt was ‘tired and jaded’. “Once he has had a little rest,you can rest assured that Salman Butt will talk to the media when the time is right,’’ Patel said.

The 29-year-old Asif was freed from the same prison last month after serving half of his one-year sentence. Amir,19,was released after three months of a six-month sentence. All three are in the process of serving five-year bans from cricket that were imposed by the International Cricket Council.

“Butt’s early release has been obtained by the efforts of his legal team and in particular,Yasin Patel,’’ the statement read. “It is expected that on his return he will work with his barrister in relation to the next step in his endeavours to return to the cricketing world.’’ the statement added.