• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Controversy In Psl 2025 Teams Oppose Fixing Guilty Salman Butts Commentary Role

Controversy In PSL 2025; Teams Oppose Fixing-Guilty Salman Butt’s Commentary Role

Akshita Patel

Salman Butt’s Commentary Role Under Scanner [Source: @CallMeSheri1/X.com]Salman Butt’s Commentary Role Under Scanner [Source: @CallMeSheri1/X.com]

A storm is brewing ahead of PSL 10, as multiple franchise owners have voiced their disapproval of former Pakistan captain Salman Butt’s inclusion in the official commentary panel. Butt was infamously served a ban and jail time for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.

PSL 2025 season is set to begin from April 11 with six teams Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultans, Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi competing in a 34-match tournament.

However, ahead of the tournament opener, PSL 10 has landed in big controversy around their commentary panel.

Salman Butt Opposed As PSL Commentator

According to reports by journalist Saleem Khaliq, several PSL franchises were shocked upon learning of Salman Butt’s appointment as PSL 10 commentator. 

They have jointly written to the PSL management urging them to reconsider. The letter allegedly asks for the exclusion of people with questionable backgrounds, citing fear about the credibility and international reputation of the league.

Butt’s involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, alongside Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir during the Lord’s Test in England, led to heavy penalties and bans for all three players. 

Despite the backlash, the PCB and PSL officials appear unfazed. They have defended the decision, noting that Butt will be confined to Urdu commentary and thus less visible on the international broadcast.

Alastair Cook Joins PSL Commentary Panel

England Test captain Alastair Cook will make his commentary debut during the 10th edition of PSL. PSL is bringing full-match Urdu commentary for the first time, along with a commentary panel that is loaded with international and local greats.

The world feed boasts heavyweights like Mark Nicholas, Lisa Sthalekar, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, JP Duminy, and Ramiz Raja. 

On the Urdu side, Salman Butt makes headlines for his controversial inclusion, joined by Marina Iqbal, Tariq Saeed, and others. Presenters like Zainab Abbas and Erin Holland round out the team.