Ajmal declares '100 percent' fitness for Asia Cup despite 'burnout' fears

Pakistani spin spearhead Saeed Ajmal is reportedly ready to excel in the five-nation Asia Cup tournament, which also features his country's rivals India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan besides the hosts Bangladesh.

Unperturbed with the ongoing fuss within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), national players are focusing on the upcoming Asia Cup where they will meet continental counterparts from February 25 in Bangladesh to defend their title.

According to the Express Tribune, Ajmal was not among the players rested after the home series against Sri Lanka in the UAE following a marathon season as he flew to South Africa soon after the series to play in the domestic Ram Slam T20 Challenge.

Although the management feared for Ajmal's fitness due to his continuous run ahead of the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20, however, Ajmal, who returned from South Africa after taking 15 wickets from just six matches, dismissed fears of burnout, saying that he is completely fit and in a good rhythm.

The report mentioned that Ajmal joined Faisalabad Wolves in the ongoing domestic T20 and helped his team to a win against tournament's favourites Lahore Eagles, picking the match of the match for his three-wicket haul and the spinner believes that his performance is a good answer to all fears of a burnout.

Ajmal also said that he was eagerly looking forward to performing at the upcoming Asia Cup as it would be an interesting tournament because of the presence of tough opponents, adding that he is especially eyeing a good performance against India, which has a very good batting line-up.