“It’s an honor for the Asian bloc to have such a world class spinner,” Ahmed told The Express Tribune. “Though Saqlain was the one who introduced the doosra but Murali not only mastered in the doosra but his main weapon was the amount of spin which helped him throughout his career.”
The 52-year-old though expressed his concern over his action despite the fact that it was cleared by International Cricket Council (ICC).
“Chucking should either be allowed or not allowed but for some reason, the ICC has specified that the bowler’s arm should not straighten more than 15 degrees,” said Ahmed who was not ready to accept the ICC’s ruling of elbow extension limit.
Another former Pakistan off-spin star Saqlain Mushtaq labelled Muralitharan as the best of his era but remained worried that the cricket world may not see a bowler like him in the next 100 years.
“I have no doubt in my mind he was the best spinner of his generation,”said Saqlain. “I am sure many batsmen would have heaved a sigh of relief knowing he is going to retire now.”
Saqlain played down the suspicion over Murali’s action but instead praised him that despite the controversies surrounding his action that he kept fighting to become a great spinner.
“I don’t think his action is a suspect one. The fact is that when the ICC cleared his action why should anyone have even raised questions about his action.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2010.
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