PSL: Butt replaces injured Hafeez at Qalandars

Sharjah - The opener had fractured his thumb during the game against the Karachi Kings in Dubai on Saturday night

Opener Salman Butt has been drafted in to replace an injured Mohammad Hafeez in the Lahore Qalandars' squad for the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019, it was announced on Tuesday.
Hafeez has been ruled out of the tournament after fracturing his thumb during his side's 22-run victory against Karachi Kings in Dubai.
As per the event regulations, Lahore Qalandars requested the Event Technical Committee, headed by Mudassar Nazar, to replace Hafeez with Salman. This request has been approved.
Sameen Rana, CEO and team manager of Lahore Qalandars while talking to Khaleej Times said: "We are happy to utilise Salman Butt's services because in Hafeez's absence we needed an experienced hand and the left-hander fits our plans.
"He had been in tremendous form during the national T20 tournament where he scored 941 runs with a healthy average and hit nine 50s. We have some batting issues at the top of order and in my opinion Butt will bring some stability."
This decision will draw a lot of criticism from different quarters, since Butt was the main architect of the spot-fixing saga in England in 2010.
But Sameen had different views as he said: "He committed a mistake and paid a heavy price for that. He has every right to play on bigger stage.
"The people who were partners in crime with him have been allowed to join Pakistan team long ago and they have again become celebrities
"Butt will be a good addition for Lahore Qalandars for the remaining tournament. It is not clear he will be part of the playing XI against Multan Sultans on February 22 in Sharjah. It will be decided by team management after assessing his match readiness."
Qalandars coach Aqib Javed said: "It was unfortunate to lose Hafeez. We believe that only an experienced Pakistani player like Salman Butt can replace him."
Lahore Qalandars has played three matches to date and has won one. 
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com