Wicket of Kallis in 2009 my best cricketing memory: Ajmal

Spin legend says dismissing Proteas stalwart was the high of his career

KARACHI: Spin guru Saeed Ajmal has pinpointed his dismissal of South Africa stalwart Jacques Kallis in the 2009 World T20 semi-final as the best memory of his cricketing career, which came to an end earlier this week when he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

Ajmal, who plans on grooming new spin talent and helping those with problematic bowling actions in his post-playing career, relived his wicket of the Proteas all-rounder in an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune.

"The match was at a point where the South African team had the upper hand and Kallis was hitting the ball everywhere," he recalled. "At that time when I took his wicket it was the best moment for me. It was so crucial it almost felt like we had won the World Cup. That was a proud moment for me and I was lucky to be a part of that team ... easily one of my best memories."

Ajmal feels that particular wicket and the subsequent tournament triumph brought him fame and fortune he had never expected.

"That not only boosted my career but also helped me financially as my name became a permanent part of Pakistan cricket's folklore for being a part of that victorious team," he said.

But after that highest of highs came the lowest of lows when a year later, and at a similar juncture, Ajmal was held largely responsible when Pakistan lost to Australia at the death courtesy some clutch hitting by Australia's Mike Hussey.

“In the semi-final against Australia in 2010 Michael Hussey struck three sixes and a four in my final over," said a still reeling Ajmal. "That was really disappointing for me, even more so because after I came back to Pakistan everyone used to taunt me by saying ‘Hussey Hussey’. Even my parents were shocked that that one match ruined all that I had done for my country and the fans were making fun of me. It was a scar on my career."

That remains the sole cricketing memory he would want to erase if given a chance.

"After that incredible memory in the 2009 semi-final, the disappointment of the next edition made me feel really sad," he said. "I wish I could change it.”

But he didn't let that rare setback of 2010 derail his career, emerging as ODI's top-ranked bowler the next year and holding that position for two more years until the infamous problem with his bowling action brought an abrupt halt to his career.

“I was at the top, I was ruling the bowling charts for three straight years and suddenly the news came," he said. "It was like everything had finished for me. I couldn't think what to do, my mind froze.”

Ajmal wanted to play in the 2015 World Cup but says PCB had given up on him even though he felt there was still cricket left in him.

“I prepared for the World Cup 2015 and was fully fit. I wanted to win some more for Pakistan,” he said. “But the ban ruined everything. Still, if PCB had made efforts I would have come back but unfortunately by then I had been binned.”