KARACHI:
As Saeed Ajmal reignited debate about his bowling action, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, the inventor of the doosra, urged the in-form bowler to ignore the ongoing debate and focus on what he does best: destroy the opposition.
In an interview with the BBC, Ajmal appeared to confirm a special permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC) that allowed him to straighten his arm beyond the allowed 15 degrees. He reportedly went on to say that he enjoys the levy of straightening his elbow up to 23.5 degrees.
The comment sparked confusion and furore only to be later clarified by the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
However, Saqlain advised Ajmal to avoid discussion on his bowling action in order to stop any more controversies.
“Ajmal’s bowling action has been cleared by the ICC,” said Saqlain. “This is the bottom line and Ajmal should keep this fact in mind all the time.
“He must ignore discussions on his bowling action. Continuous discussion on it will affect his rhythm because he’ll be thinking about it all the time. The players should only focus on the game when giving statements rather that going into technicalities.”
Controversy is a conspiracy: Ashraf
Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has said the new debate on Ajmal’s bowling action was a conspiracy against the Pakistan team.
“Ajmal was trapped by the journalist and because he hasn’t got a command of English, he fell in the trap. This was a clever ploy following Pakistan’s thumping whitewash in the Test series.”
Impose media gags on players: Sallu
Meanwhile, former Test cricketer and chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed has called for a media gag on players in order to avoid controversies.
“The players should not be allowed to speak to the media,” said Ahmed. “Such controversies and confusion may happen again. The PCB should appoint a media manager of team who can speak to journalists on behalf of the players.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2012.
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Interviews can be very tough, especially in a language you are not fluent in, and should be avoided on controversial issues. My problem is that saeed ajmal seemed to have very limited knowlege of the whole process in which his action was cleared. I think someone should have briefed him better.
I encourage readers to read George Dobells write up in ESPN which should end the controversy. To the credit of the writer he has called for an end to this debate, which unfortunately was unnecessary in the first place.
Let Ajmal does what he does best, spin the opposition into submission, and leave statistics to do the talking.
@kailash sethy: not trying to get in an argument but what exactly do u mean?
to all those who want saqi bhai in the team: he can not play anymore cuz he might be fit but he is not that good now.. towards the end of his career you might have noticed the big drop in his performances... he bacame very predictable with his doosra as every second ball used to be a doosra which dint do any good to him... we have ajmal, abdur rehman, afridi and hafeez.. we don't have a place for even one now i guess...
@kailash sethy: Very disappointing, People like you creates difference in societies!!
Yes and now Pak Taliban want to come after Indian team but they are afraid and not ready to face Pak Taliban@kailash sethy:
The facts that prove the legality of Saeed Ajmal's bowling action. http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-england-2012/content/current/story/552579.html
@Aamir: Well said. Saqlain mushtaq can play. He s young enough to play even now!! I want to see him in action again!
When Shane Warne can still perform in Big Bash, then why not Saqlain come into action again. I think there are lot of opportunities in different leagues around the world. We want to see him in action again.
When would Pakistani players learn to keep their mouth shut or think before they talk? It is Ajmal who reignited the controversy. English squad and media accepted the fait-accompli and did not repeat the allegations or used his actions as execuse post whitewash.
@kailash sethy: you can thank 9/11 for that. Ordinary muslim might not have had to find what defines him as muslim had questions not been asked about his faith after that incident.
Nice to see his picture...he is not a ba ba blacksheep..the english-medium riffraff...He is smart and brilliant.
Even pak cricket couldn't escape talibanization
No pak player should be speaking to the media without being cleared by their management team first.