Salman Butt released from prison

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt was released from prison in Britain on Thursday after serving seven months of a two-and-a-half year term for involvement in a match-fixing scam that sent shock waves through the world of cricket.

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt was released from prison in Britain on Thursday after serving seven months of a two-and-a-half year term for involvement in a match-fixing scam that sent shock waves through the world of cricket.

His solicitors confirmed the 27-year-old had been freed from Canterbury prison in southeast England.

"His return back home will allow Salman to spend time with his family and relatives," his solicitors said in a statement. "He will get to see and hold his son whom he has not seen since his birth in November last year.

Butt, who has played 33 tests, 78 one-day internationals and 24 Twenty20s for his country, was sentenced for his part in Pakistan bowling deliberate no-balls during a test against England at Lord's in 2010.

The spot-fixing conspiracy was uncovered after a British newspaper recorded sports agent Mazhar Majeed boasting of how he could arrange for players to rig games for money.

Butt's team mates Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were also sentenced.