Former Pakistan captain, Salman Butt, has pulled out of the upcomingNational T20 Cup after being excluded from Central Punjab’s first XI.

Sources privy to the development said that Central Punjab’s Head Coach,Shahid Anwar, wanted Butt to captain the second XI. However, he declinedthe offer and decided not to be a part of the next edition of the domesticT20 event.

Butt has told the team management that instead of him a youngster should begiven a chance to lead the second XI side, which consists mainly ofyoungsters.——————————

With 2,349 runs at an average of 35 and a strike rate of a little over 110in 82 appearances, Butt has a decent record in T20s for a batsmanrecognized as a Test specialist. He has been a handy opener for hisregional and departmental sides in recent times.

The forthcoming edition of the National T20 Cup will be the first domestictournament since the coronavirus pandemic halted cricketing activities inthe country in March. The star-studded event will kick-off from September30 and will last till October 18. All 33 matches will be played in Multanand Rawalpindi.