PCB chairman plays down Ajmal’s World Cup chances
Suspended off-spinner to travel to India for reassessment on his action on Jan 24
HOPEFUL: NCA head coach Akram is optimistic that the suspended Ajmal is fully prepared to clear the test, which will take place in an ICC-accredited lab in Chennai, India. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan believes it is now too late for Saeed Ajmal to be inducted in the 15-member World Cup squad even if he clears an official reassessment on his bowling action on January 24.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) allows the participating teams to replace players in their squads during the World Cup under extraordinary circumstances, but it remains subject to approval from the technical committee of cricket’s governing body.
Previously, Pakistan replaced Abdur Razzaq with Yasir Arafat back in the 2009 World Twenty20.
Similar situations can arise again as the likes of pacers Muhammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz and Ehsan Adil are injury-prone going into mega event and even though off-spinner Ajmal had been included in the 30 probables, Shaharyar feels otherwise.
“It’s too late now for Ajmal to be drafted into the World Cup team,” said Shaharyar while speaking to reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Meanwhile, National Cricket Academy (NCA) head coach Muhammad Akram is optimistic that Ajmal is fully prepared to clear the test, which will take place in an ICC-accredited lab in Chennai, India.
If the 37-year-old is successful, he can return to international cricket and play unless any umpire reports him. But if he is reported again after clearance, he will have to serve a suspension of 12 months straight.
“Ajmal has worked tirelessly to remodel his action and regain effectiveness, so I’m sure he will clear the reassessment,” Akram told The Express Tribune.
“He’s confident that he has done the right amount of work and can pass the test. He has developed some new deliveries as well and is ready to get those tested as well.”
Akram, who has represented Pakistan in nine Tests and 23 ODIs, explained that in case one of Ajmal’s deliveries exceeds the permitted limit, he would still be able to play international cricket with the other cleared actions and can appear for reassessment of the particular ball later.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan believes it is now too late for Saeed Ajmal to be inducted in the 15-member World Cup squad even if he clears an official reassessment on his bowling action on January 24.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) allows the participating teams to replace players in their squads during the World Cup under extraordinary circumstances, but it remains subject to approval from the technical committee of cricket’s governing body.
Previously, Pakistan replaced Abdur Razzaq with Yasir Arafat back in the 2009 World Twenty20.
Similar situations can arise again as the likes of pacers Muhammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz and Ehsan Adil are injury-prone going into mega event and even though off-spinner Ajmal had been included in the 30 probables, Shaharyar feels otherwise.
“It’s too late now for Ajmal to be drafted into the World Cup team,” said Shaharyar while speaking to reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Meanwhile, National Cricket Academy (NCA) head coach Muhammad Akram is optimistic that Ajmal is fully prepared to clear the test, which will take place in an ICC-accredited lab in Chennai, India.
If the 37-year-old is successful, he can return to international cricket and play unless any umpire reports him. But if he is reported again after clearance, he will have to serve a suspension of 12 months straight.
“Ajmal has worked tirelessly to remodel his action and regain effectiveness, so I’m sure he will clear the reassessment,” Akram told The Express Tribune.
“He’s confident that he has done the right amount of work and can pass the test. He has developed some new deliveries as well and is ready to get those tested as well.”
Akram, who has represented Pakistan in nine Tests and 23 ODIs, explained that in case one of Ajmal’s deliveries exceeds the permitted limit, he would still be able to play international cricket with the other cleared actions and can appear for reassessment of the particular ball later.