Off to the UK: Ajmal cleared for Worcestershire stint

Pakistan off-spinner given NOC; asked to return mid-July for SL series.

KARACHI: Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has been given clearance by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play a shortened stint with Worcestershire in the English season.

The 36-year-old’s departure was held up after the PCB discussed the matter following confirmation of Pakistan’s tour to Sri Lanka in July-August.

“We have given No-Objection Certificate [NOC] to Ajmal but want him to return in mid-July so that he can be part of team’s tour to Sri Lanka,” said PCB chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed late Thursday.

Pakistan will play two Tests and three ODIs in Sri Lanka on a tour which was only finalised last week on the sidelines of an International Cricket Council meeting in Dubai.

Ajmal said he would fly early next week and will be available for Worcestershire’s home match against Derbyshire on April 27.

“I am quite used to playing in the English season, but duty-bound to return for national duty once the PCB wants me,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2014.

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