Cricket Star Salman Butt "Bitterly Disappointed at Appeal Decision but Vows to Continue to Appeal"

Pakistan International cricketer Salman Butt has today said he is “bitterly disappointed” with the decision of the Court of Arbitration of Sports but vowed to continue to fight to clear his name.

The former Pakistan captain had appealed against the cricket ban imposed on him by the International Cricketing Council (ICC) however the Tribunal upheld that the 5 year ban is proportionate.

His London-based lawyers Farani Javid Taylor Solicitors had argued Mr Butt’s case before a panel of Judges sitting at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.

However, his lawyers today said they will continue to explore other avenues to appeal Mr Butt’s case to help him resume his professional cricket career immediately.

Amer Rahman, legal advisor from Farani Javid Taylor Solicitors, who represented Salman Butt in his appeal hearing, said: " Both Salman and us are bitterly disappointed with the decision of the Court. Salman has been in a very dark place over the last few years and he was hoping that he would be successful in this appeal. We will not be giving up. In the coming days and weeks, we will be exploring every other available avenue."

Daniel Rajah, Solicitor, who is also a part of the legal team said, “Anyone that has met Salman will know of his passion for cricket. It's in his heart and soul. All Salman has ever wanted is to play the sport he loves.

“It is therefore extremely disappointing that the decision has gone against him. Over the coming weeks and months we will do our best to support Salman and we will be doing everything we can for him.”

Farani Javid Taylor Solicitors (www.faranitaylor.com) is a central London-based firm which works with large businesses and private individuals from around the world on a range of legal disciplines including litigation and immigration.It has significant experience in working with very high profile sports clients – both private individuals and sporting clubs and has worked closely with various regulatory sporting authorities.The firm’s experienced legal team can assist in any arbitrations or disciplinary hearings. Considerable expertise in human rights matters. The firm has extensive experience of UK law and are admitted to practise in many jurisdictions worldwide.