Amad Butt is considered as one of the rising stars from the PSL generation - an all-rounder who is super fit and boasts unlimited potential. He has earned reputation of being a hard hitter of the Cricket ball and a dexterous customer with the ball in hand at the death. 2016/17 was the breakout domestic season in his career where he scored 379 runs in the QeA Trophy playing for HBL and also scalped 39 dismissals at a staggering average of 16. Butt has been a regular pick for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, too.
Based on his sparkling potential, Butt was picked in Pakistan's U23 squad that was scheduled to appear in the 2019 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Bangladesh. His last over heroics in the game against India took Pakistan over the line and earned him a lot of fame around the subcontinental Cricketing fraternity. In January 2020, he was also named in Pakistan's T20I squad for their home series against Bangladesh.
In the 2nd Episode of Lockdown Diairies, Butt talked exclusively with CricWick about his stint with Islamabad United in the PSL, gave thoughts on that famous victory against the next-door neighbors, and reflected upon how his career has panned out, so far.
Q: Amad, in the recently held U23 Asia Cup, you bowled a really crucial final over against India in a nerve-racking situation. You were also in a very good nick with the bat during the tournament and far-fetched expectations were attached with you to deliver during those crunch moments? What are your thoughts about that?
A: I would be pretty honest with you. The way things were proceeding in the 2nd innings, I had a daunting feeling that our total will be chased within 30 or so overs. We had this passion injected within us that if we played India, we'd try our level best to come out on top and we were very vehement about winning against India. I am still unsure how things panned out but I unyieldingly believe on the fact that we received some sort of divine help that day. We managed to pull off three to four runouts and exerted extra pressure on them. One of their main batsmen was still intact in the crease but even he was unable to find the gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking. However, through some definite divine assistance, I managed to squeeze us through to a memorable victory.
Q: Islamabad United has invested a lot in you. In the maiden edition of PSL, they gave you several opportunities and as the seasons progressed, they began entrusting you with more responsibilities in light of your glowing potential and you delivered according to their expectations. What do you think about the role of Islamabad United in your development as a professional cricketer and how has been your journey with The United, thus far?
A: There is absolutely no doubt that the fame and repute I have managed to garner so far is majorly indebted to Islamabad United. I feel that the franchise deserves to receive the utmost credit for my successes because they have backed me and supported me in all situations. People like Rehan (bhai), Hassan (bhai), and Ali Naqvi (owner of Islamabad United) have constantly backed me and endorsed my talent.
Q: Who is the toughest bowler you have faced and who have you found the hardest to bowl to in your career so far?
A: I have found two batsmen particularly difficult to bowl to - Azhar Ali in four-day Cricket and Salman Butt. Both of them are highly established players and really hard to bowl to. As for the toughest bowler I have faced being a batsman, I think it must be Sohail Tanvir for his unorthodox action and acute pace variations.
