"Fans the butt of a sick joke " - The NZ Herald on Salman's TV Role

[MIG]

Pakistan's name being dragged through mud...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news...ectid=10705877 Fans the butt of a sick joke By Paul Lewis 5:30 AM Sunday Feb 13, 2011 Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt will be at the cricket World Cup. He will be a commentator for Pakistan's Channel Five TV. It's a travesty; a sick joke. Recently banned for five years for corruption at the Lord's test match last year, Butt's actual sentence was 10 years - with five suspended. Why? Surely a life ban was merited after the News Of The World sting did what cricket should have been able to do for itself: detect that corruption was occurring and act. The International Cricket Council cannot be expected to police commentator appointments by television channels which have an eye on the sensational and the effect that has on ratings. The utterings of a man who has pitched his sport into disrepute and ridicule must be compelling indeed. I can hear it now. After every no-ball, the Pakistani commentator could turn to Butt and say: "Salman, was that a real no-ball in your opinion or, you know...?" or "Salman, how much would you expect to have been paid for that no-ball?" But it won't happen. Butt will solemnly intone on the game; the batsmen; the bowlers; their form; their strategy - all as if this man might have something to tell us; something which might add to, or illuminate, the rich history and traditions of the game. I can't speak Urdu but all I'd be able to hear is one word anyway: cheat. Here in New Zealand, we are still wrestling with the fact that a Pakistan team shorn of Butt and his corruption cohorts - paceman Mohammad Asif and young, highly promising fast bowler Mohammad Amir - were still good enough to send the Black Caps packing. But whatever curry we can sling at our team for their lack of form, we can at least be assured that they are honest. [Read All of this at above link]

[Liverpool_Faizan]

its a publicity stunt.

pak media have always been unprofessional and at times will do anything for attention. some of the ppl who perform interviews and cover stories are absolutely appaling.

[Not in my Name]

Perpetual controversy has its price.

That the commentary is naive in its emphasis on the integrity of individuals rather than a system that cultivates such behaviour is beside the point.

What's allowed to stand in Pakistan cricket is shameful. The country's cricket establishment's name should be dragged through mud. In fact we should be leading the charge.

[Mobashir]

Salman Butt is probably the human I hate the most now.

[Cover Drive]

Sounds like AZ Bhai to me...

[a_k]

haha, BUTT will be commenting on financial aspects of every no-ball, maiden over, dropped catch ....

may be

[*sallu*]

They have the right to say it

[LegCutter]

Here in New Zealand, we are still wrestling with the fact that a Pakistan team shorn of Butt and his corruption cohorts - paceman Mohammad Asif and young, highly promising fast bowler Mohammad Amir - were still good enough to send the Black Caps packing. But whatever curry we can sling at our team for their lack of form, we can at least be assured that they are honest.

Love this line, powerful but so true

[sam]

Originally Posted by Cover Drive Sounds like AZ Bhai to me...

AZ bhai would never say what's been said in the OP.

[venomousx]

Originally Posted by sam AZ bhai would never say what's been said in the OP.

i think its him whose signature used to be No.1 and proud supporter of salman butt or something

[Pk-zindabaad]

i won't listen to Salman Butt when he is doing commentary, not one single word

[Afridi_Fan]

The ******* deserves every bit of it.

[Mr.Awesome<(-_-)>]

They are clever they know every one will listen to Salman Butt for Obvious reasons lol thats what i call Thinking and BLast this NZlender how is he so sure his players are honest ?

[Awesome_Username]

Originally Posted by Mobashir Salman Butt is probably the human I hate the most now.

I think that is a bit too much. It isn't as if he ordered a massacre or something.

[Schickelgruber]

"judging by the size of the no ball, I expect a large sum to be wired into his account."

[pinger]

Absolutely class-less act by the broadcaster.

Butt probably cannot be blamed taking another paycheck now the brown paper bags have stopped coming in, but the broadcaster should hang it's head in shame. There are plenty of ex-Paksitani cricketers whom they could have used to commentate. Shameless publicity whoring.

[KSaeed]

Well if you look at it from the broadcasters perspective, I'm sure that a lot more people than usual would watch the show just to listen to Salman Butt. Wether they like him or not is not an issue- if he gets viewers, be it for the wrong reasons, the broadcasters are happy. Money talks ;)

[Ironcat]

The writer of the article is living in cuckoo land. What does he expect Butt to do? Move to Gisborne and take up hairdressing?

[MIG]

To me its shameless from Salman Butts behalf.

After the zillat he has put the country through, I would be hiding in Tora Bora - not appearing on Live WC Coverage!

Do none of the 3 have even a shred of shame? The CPS case could potentially send them behind bars!

[Schickelgruber]

A bloody convict is now an interviewer for the WC, Pakistan please grow up!

[sam]

Blame lies with Salman Butt and the TV channel.

Pathetic stuff from both.

[MRSN]

Originally Posted by MIG To me its shameless from Salman Butts behalf. After the zillat he has put the country through, I would be hiding in Tora Bora - not appearing on Live WC Coverage! Do none of the 3 have even a shred of shame? The CPS case could potentially send them behind bars!

relax ,no one watches that channel here.

[Black Zero]

There was no need of that sensational article.

[ascher]

Originally Posted by MIG To me its shameless from Salman Butts behalf. After the zillat he has put the country through, I would be hiding in Tora Bora - not appearing on Live WC Coverage! Do none of the 3 have even a shred of shame? The CPS case could potentially send them behind bars!

well a country like ours is a perfect place for any such individual to spend his rest of the life in, all you need is the rest of the world to oppose you and you would become a hero here no matter how strong the evidence of corruption is against you!

[sami231]

damn i hate salman butt more than anyone can imagine .... he used to be our school hero ... every other week we had to stand in the cold to listen to the principal how many runs salman butt made that week ... atleast that won't happen anymore ...

btw we studied at beacon house garden town .

[khankhan]

See this is whats happening to PAKISTAN NATION and its reputation because of these cheats.
Shame on you Salman, Asif and Amir.
We all are hurt because of these fixer stupid cheats.

[Saj]

Is he actually going to be at the stadia or doing commentary from a studio in Pak whist watching the match on tv?

[ascher]

Originally Posted by Saj Is he actually going to be at the stadia or doing commentary from a studio in Pak whist watching the match on tv?

In the studio, commentating in the breaks and starts.

[Down2Earth]

it really is disgraceful of the tv channel. they're the ones to blame here. no matter what happens in the world, we'll always be laughed at and ridiculed for stupidity like this

[RX]

Say what you guys want - this article is pathetic.
Salman Butt is a fool - we get that, but this article has quite a few racist undertones

[amarali]

What the hell these PCB and Pakistani authorities are doing?they are still allowing a culprit to be presented as a hero and a role model.....although being a human being he has to fulfill his needs but doing it this way along with the blot of spot fixing on his head could only be termed as a shame for the channel,himself and the PCB........The only advantage and benefit of this show would be giving assurance and guarantee to the players that you should not be repenting on what you have done.....Pakistan!as all it happens!

[MRSN]

Originally Posted by amarali What the hell these PCB and Pakistani authorities are doing?they are still allowing a culprit to be presented as a hero and a role model.....although being a human being he has to fulfill his needs but doing it this way along with the blot of spot fixing on his head could only be termed as a shame for the channel,himself and the PCB........The only advantage and benefit of this show would be giving assurance and guarantee to the players that you should not be repenting on what you have done.....Pakistan!as all it happens!

PCB cant stop a tv channel,can they?

[amarali]

Originally Posted by M Nadeem PCB cant stop a tv channel,can they?

Well if they can stop the family of Zulqarnain Haider from going abroad than surely they can stop the tv channel as well as salman butt!

[Blistering Barnacle]

Originally Posted by Saj Is he actually going to be at the stadia or doing commentary from a studio in Pak whist watching the match on tv?

He has been banned from attending any WC games/events.

[AZ]

I can hear it now. After every no-ball, the Pakistani commentator could turn to Butt and say: "Salman, was that a real no-ball in your opinion or, you know...?" or "Salman, how much would you expect to have been paid for that no-ball?"

that was cold.

but yea, not much wrong withthe article, extremely poor form from both parties.

[Prince_Pathan]

hilarious line above


dont watch the chanell have sky but like those who have to put through the scum have to sadly go through it

[Afridi_Fan]

Can one call live during Butt in the studio? If yes, I will just ask him one question,"Tum ko sharam nahi aati, Beghairat Insaan?"

[blinding light]

Originally Posted by Saj Is he actually going to be at the stadia or doing commentary from a studio in Pak whist watching the match on tv?

Sitting in a studio and passing comments. Like RX said, that article was terribly written, irrespective of butt's reference.

Channels will do everything they can to get their ratings up, Whether it's 'awam ki adalat' with Veena Malik or Butt giving an expert's view of World Cup matches. If you guys are all so intolerant of cheats then switch the channel. Is it that hard? Or no you want to discuss this to death and hate on the guy till he grows into an old man and dies and then hate some more?

He fixed, and he got the stick for it. Move on now. Non issue. not worth the time...

[MIG]

Originally Posted by RX Say what you guys want - this article is pathetic. Salman Butt is a fool - we get that, but this article has quite a few racist undertones

how is it pathetic? Apart from the curry jibe, dont see anything too racist in there. Some home truths but nothing wrong.

[RX]

Originally Posted by MIG how is it pathetic? Apart from the curry jibe, dont see anything too racist in there. Some home truths but nothing wrong.

In my opinion, it's comments like these "I can't speak Urdu but all I'd be able to hear is one word anyway: cheat" that make the article trashy, and quite pathetic in my eyes.

In no way or form am I defending Butt here, as I thoroughly am disappointed with what he did and what affect that has had on the image of Pakistan, however, this article seems to be taking snide shots at Pakistan by mentioning how honest NZ is in comparison.

[Dr Khan]

He said that he is only doing this so he can have enough money to pay for his sisters marriage. What a Brother

[MIG]

Originally Posted by RX In my opinion, it's comments like these "I can't speak Urdu but all I'd be able to hear is one word anyway: cheat" that make the article trashy, and quite pathetic in my eyes. In no way or form am I defending Butt here, as I thoroughly am disappointed with what he did and what affect that has had on the image of Pakistan, however, this article seems to be taking snide shots at Pakistan by mentioning how honest NZ is in comparison.

And we have a leg to stand on in that department? he is only referring to cricketers.

[Markhor]

I was not pleased with Salman Butt's decision to take up a commentary role so soon after the verdict.It was very opportunistic of him to take up a TV contract,which will involve quite a generous salary.

However,some journos seem to have an opinion about everything.

We get it,Salman Butt is a cheat and he deserved a punishment.He has been given the punishment.Now,is there really any need for the media to keep on publicising this case ?

The ICC verdict has been handed down and that is the end of that.Cricket moves on,life goes on,one incident does not make cricket a dishonest sport.

Seems like Paul Lewis is jumping on the bandwagon here.

Cricket has greatly suffered as a result.

The World Cup is soon to be underway,close this chapter once and for all and let justice prevail.I think even the fans are bored out of their wits with this saga.

Plus there is a chance that Salman Butt may not even get to the Channel 5 commentary box,after all he could be looking at a jail term what with the CPS criminal charges.

[RX]

Originally Posted by MIG And we have a leg to stand on in that department? he is only referring to cricketers.

MIG, we definitely don't have a leg to stand on. However, I'm getting quite sick of these derogatory remarks made about our cricketers on a daily basis by media from all around the world. Do we deserve it? Maybe we do. However, I'm getting quite tired of it. Also, the article wasn't written on the premise that it wouldn't attract attention. Surely, the writer would expect some annoyance from Pakistani fans, if he knew they were to read it.

[Express Pace]

He needs to a make a living.

[LegCutter]

Originally Posted by Express Pace He needs to a make a living.

He already has.

[Afridi_Fan]

Originally Posted by Express Pace He needs to a make a living.

Then let him play cricket, its his living.

[Express Pace]

He no longer has that luxury due to his alleged actions, however he's using the knowledge he's in a different arena, good luck to him.

[Blistering Barnacle]

Originally Posted by Afridi_Fan Then let him play cricket, its his living.

You want him back playing cricket after what he has done?

[Blistering Barnacle]

Originally Posted by Express Pace He no longer has that luxury due to his alleged actions, however he's using the knowledge he's in a different arena, good luck to him.

Why "good luck" to him? Has he done some kindness towards you or Pakistan? In fact, it's the opposite and he is unrepentant.

[hasanmehmoodkhan]

lol its a stupid channel anyway never even heard of it

[MIG]

Originally Posted by RX MIG, we definitely don't have a leg to stand on. However, I'm getting quite sick of these derogatory remarks made about our cricketers on a daily basis by media from all around the world. Do we deserve it? Maybe we do. However, I'm getting quite tired of it. Also, the article wasn't written on the premise that it wouldn't attract attention. Surely, the writer would expect some annoyance from Pakistani fans, if he knew they were to read it.

We dont deserve it as WE havent done anything illegal.

He does it and we should stop thinking that everytime anyone speaks about these people, they are referring to us.

[Afridi_Fan]

Originally Posted by Blistering Barnacle You want him back playing cricket after what he has done?

I don't think you know my stand on this wole issue. I don't want ANY of the three ANYWHERE near bat or ball. If that makes my point of view clear.

[Express Pace]

Originally Posted by Blistering Barnacle Why "good luck" to him? Has he done some kindness towards you or Pakistan? In fact, it's the opposite and he is unrepentant.

Indeed, his actions have led to sanctions that will discourage future Pakistani players from engaging in illegal gambling activities.

[Blistering Barnacle]

Originally Posted by Express Pace Indeed, his actions have led to sanctions that will discourage future Pakistani players from engaging in illegal gambling activities.

Lol, I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic or not, but using the above as an explanation for wishing him well is very odd.

[amirfanforlife]

I feel sorry for the guy, and for everyone who will have to listen to this.

[DarkRival]

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt will be at the cricket World Cup. He will be a commentator for Pakistan's Channel Five TV.

I thought he was going to be commentating from a studio in Pakistan. Unless they just mean that he is going to be part of world cup as commentator.

That sounded like he was going to be physically at the world cup commentating booths.

[kingusama92]

Why does a guy in NZ mind?

Oh yeah, to boost about how honest NZ cricketers are? I forgot they are the greatest to play the game.

The signing of Butt by the TV broadcaster was a clever business decision. Plus, all of this attention being given now just makes it an even sweeter deal for that channel. A lot more people will now tune in to hear Butt's views then before.

From a business point of view, I don't see anything wrong with it. Most of the Pakistani population is currently sympathizing with the trio and this is a great way to cash in on it.

[Looney]

But whatever curry we can sling at our team for their lack of form, we can at least be assured that they are honest.

when you cannot beat even our B team , obviously , you will be cherishing your " honesty " , unity and team spirit .

that is poor journalism , to say the least . He is basically saying that even with the trio out , our guys are still cheats .

Like would say : WHERE IS THE PROOF ?

[Saqs]

I've said it for a long time now - people wrongly accuse Australian commentators and journalists for blind bias.

NZ are on another planet of bias and inaccurate generalist remarks.

[farz88]

Originally Posted by Saqib Salman I've said it for a long time now - people wrongly accuse Australian commentators and journalists for blind bias. NZ are on another planet of bias and inaccurate generalist remarks.

What is inaccurate about his remark? A fixer should be no where near pakistan cricket yet we still allow him to comment on the world cup? Butt is very besharam.