KARACHI:
Reproach, outbursts, tantrums and other displays of anger still wreath Pakistan’s abysmal failure at the ICC Champions Trophy, but Saeed Ajmal attempts to assuage charged emotions by promising an improved show by the team in their upcoming international assignments.
Pakistan finished bottom in the eight-nation event after losing all their three group matches against West Indies, South Africa and India.
The results prompted a widespread belief that they had more to do with the team’s underperformance in batting rather than an outstanding show from the opposing sides. Calls for a major overhaul followed almost immediately.
Spin maestro Ajmal admitted the team had failed, but disagreed with the notion that the future was bleak.
“We are equally disheartened like all of the team’s supporters,” Ajmal told The Express Tribune.
“It’s not that the team didn’t try. Every player gave his best to lift the side. The conditions were very difficult and unfortunately we just didn’t click. On the other hand, the teams that adapted well achieved good results in the tournament.
“We will learn from our mistakes and will use our utmost potential to give good results to the nation. Good and bad days are a part of cricket and I am hopeful we will overcome this phase as each player wants to compensate for the failure. I am confident that the team will bounce back.”
‘West Indies tour will be tough’
The spin genius, who could take only four wickets from his 25 overs in the Champions Trophy, said he was working hard for next month’s tour of the West Indies that includes five One-Day Internationals and a couple of Twenty20 internationals.
“I’ve already started practicing in the nets. I am also working on my fitness and hopefully I will give an improved show against the West Indies.
“It will be a tough tour because they are a very good limited-overs side. They possess hard-hitting batsmen, including Chris Gayle, which will be a challenge for me as a spinner and I am looking forward to it.”
Ajmal’s philanthropy in full swing
Apart from training for the upcoming assignment, Ajmal said he was also working to finalise the project of his elite academy scheme in Faisalabad by the end of this year.
Ajmal launched the first phase of his multi-facility academy spread over 18 acres of land in January. The spinner provided Rs10 million from his own pocket for the Rs70 million-project.
“I want to start it by this November and the work is on track. Recently, I have also reserved a portion of the academy for disabled cricketers who are without proper support. They will be free to use all the facilities of the academy.”
The academy includes a wide range of facilities, including an indoor and outdoor practice school, lodgings and a floodlit ground.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (13)
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we love you ajmal, you have the gots,please practice more on batting,your batting is much better than,our batsmens.
@ajk2304: Winning/Losing is a part of game, I believe in Allah, I believe in PCT, it is shocking to see how Pakistani fans react towards their team, some of them were expecting 1st round exit even before CT because their all time-Favorite SHAHID AFRIDI wasn't playing (though I'm one of his biggest fans) but team is more Important than 1 man! Few Months Back, Misbah, Nasir, Ajmal, Gul, Irfan, Junaid etc. all of them were our heroes (When Pakistan Beaten India at their home) but now............................................. Real Supporters of the team r those, who support team during their bad time! Otherwise, u should stop following any cricket activity related to Team Pakistan! I know 2 or 3 changes r needed badly & PCB already signaled to kick them out! HOPE 4 THE BEST
I agree with Ajmal's statments but I personally believe that Pakistan needs major changes in the team for revival. Pakistan needs young talent to be part of the national team. Senior player shouldn't be selfish and have to realize the facts that ODI Cricket is not for them.
Get practical, guys. Turnaround takes years. But that again requires merit-based selection of players, meticulous planning & real hard work. If you love to believe the team will turn the tables in West Indies, you are highly mistaken. The West Indians are a tough nut to crack on their home soil. Their bowlers will be difficult to handle on the bouncy tracks for your depleted bating line-up.
Lastly, I was wondering how would anybody stop the Pak players from their “beach” shenanigans.
I dearly wish to see Ajmal bowl in short-sleeves in West Indies.
`Insha Allah`` reflect positivism.....more positive we think, more successful we are......Let us embrace positive thoughts regardless of religion and nationality...
@ajk2304: Go get a life dude. Not every one knows how to express oneself politely. INSHA ALLAH should be none of your concern, as we don't care what you tend to say.
@Taimoor Raja:
As long as you continue to rely on INSHA ALLAH and such sentiments you will continue be in the miserable state of darkness and despair that you are in while the world keeps moving forward. So far INSHA ALLAH has brought you nothing but misery and rejection by the people of the entire world and death, disease, and destruction in your country.
Seems impossible after how they appoint ovn chairman
Ajmal one of the only few positives in team. Best of luck against Gayle u dismissed him in Champions Trophy also
We are winning all future series and World Cup in 2015
The day when" sifrish"end the green team BOUNCE BACK..
INSHA ALLAH we will! He is always honest with the team & hard-worker, also he is a very smart bowler, he at least bowls 3 different types of deliveries in an over (Off-Spinner, Straighter One, DOOSRA) Also he congratulated India on Social Media Website TWITTER that shows his Sportsman Spirit :) Good Luck!