Former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt, who was released from a British jail on Thursday, returned home on Friday amidst a chaotic welcome and vowed to clear his name of spot-fixing charges for whih he was convicted.
"I am happy and relieved. I want two to three days with my family and once I do that I will hold a detailed press conference to answer all questions to clear my name from spot-fixing," Butt said as he was welcomed by some 200 fans at Lahore's international airport.
Butt hoped that difficult days were behind him.
"I am thankful to all those who helped me in my difficult times and I hope that my tough days are over. I am desperate to see my second son whom I have not seen since his birth," said Butt.
Butt vowed to clear his name and denied links with spot-fixing.
"I have no links with spot-fixing and my only mistake was that I did not make a complaint against those who made offers. I am consulting my legal advisers and will decide on when to appeal against the ICC ban," said Butt. "I want to come back as a good person and cricketer."
The 27-year-old was sentenced to 30 months in prison in November after he was found guilty of accepting corrupt payments during the infamous Lord?s Test against England in August 2010.
{{/usCountry}}The 27-year-old was sentenced to 30 months in prison in November after he was found guilty of accepting corrupt payments during the infamous Lord?s Test against England in August 2010.
{{/usCountry}}Butt along with team mates Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer was jailed for bowling deliberate no-balls in return for money. Their agent Mazhar Majeed was also sentenced and is still jailed.
Amir was released in February while Asif was freed in May. They both served half of their sentences.