ICC chief hits out at Butt TV role

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DUBAI: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has slammed the appointment of banned former captain Salman Butt as a television pundit during the World Cup.

So incensed are the global governing body, they have asked the lawyer who was chairman of the tribunal that banned Butt to determine whether his employment by the television channel contravenes the terms of the opening batsman's 10-year ban, five of which have been suspended.

Lorgat, in a statement issued after an ICC executive board meeting here on Wednesday, said: "The Board, having a zero tolerance attitude towards corruption, expressed disappointment at the decision by a television channel to employ the suspended Mr Salman Butt as a studio pundit during the World Cup."

Butt, when his TV role was announced earlier this month, said: "I have signed a contract with a television channel to do expert commentary.

"As I am not playing in the event I thought it was worth participating as an expert," he added.

The 26-year-old player said he could no reason why hoped the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC would object to his new role.

"I don't see any reason for objection to it as it does not come under their jurisdiction."

But Lorgat made it clear on Wednesday the ICC did object.

"We are not satisfied with this appointment and we have written to Tribunal chairman Michael Beloff QC to enquire whether this could be viewed as a breach against the terms of his suspended sentence," the South African said. (AFP)