Ajmal still hopes to play 2015 World Cup

Image
Press Trust of India Karachi
Last Updated : Sep 15 2014 | 6:31 PM IST
Pakistan's suspended off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has not given up hope on playing in the 2015 World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Ajmal told reporters in Lahore today that the ban imposed on him from bowling in international cricket was disappointing but its not the end of the world.
"I don't take it as a pressure or tension. For me it is a challenge. Obviously I am saddened like every other Pakistani because of the ban. But I am confident that with the help of a legend like Saqlain Mushtaq and our coaches I can get back into international cricket before the World Cup," he said at a function organized by his bank to give him his promotion letter.
Ajmal was reported by match officials after the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last month and subsequently sent for biomechanic tests to Brisbane. The test results from the ICC accredited laboratory showed he was easily breaking the 15 degrees elbow extension allowed by the ICC while bowling.
Ajmal now two options either to appeal against the suspension or remodel his action and appear in the biomechanic tests again.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said it had put aside the appeal option because if it fails Saeed can be banned from bowling for another year or so.
Instead it has hired Pakistan's former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to come to Lahore and work with Ajmal and help him remodel his bowling action.
"I am happy Saqlain will be working with me. He is a legend and I learnt a lot watching him bowl. I am sure he and other coaches will be able to work out any problems with my bowling action," Ajmal said.
The off-spinner who has been Pakistan's top bowler for the last three years said that the suspension came as a disappointment but he would continue to fight for revival.
"I know what I am capable of and with the PCB and people all supporting me I know I can make a comeback soon," he said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 15 2014 | 6:31 PM IST

Next Story