Banned Ajmal vows to return with clean action

KARACHI: Banned Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has vowed to correct his illegal bowling action and return to cricket before next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the 36-year-old earlier today after biomechanic tests revealed all his deliveries breached the permissible limit for straightening of the elbow joint.
‘The ban is not a problem for me right now. The ICC has stopped me from bowling because my elbow is bending beyond the 15 degrees allowed by the ICC and I know I can correct that,’ Ajmal told Reuters.
‘It is very disappointing to know the results of the tests but I am a fighter and I know what I have to do to get back into international cricket before the World Cup,’ he said.
Ajmal, who turns 37 next month, said he was open to approaching former players to help him correct his action which was first reported in 2009.
‘Playing in the World Cup and doing well for Pakistan is a dream for me and I am not going to give up on that,’ said Ajmal, who has been Pakistan’s top spinner in all formats.
Ajmal has about five months to correct his action and appeal for a reassessment in order to play in the World Cup.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan conceded it was a big jolt coming less than six months before next year’s 50-over marquee event.
‘Obviously it is a big shock for us when we are preparing for the World Cup. But we are waiting for the final report and we can appeal in two weeks time against the ICC decision.’
He said the ban followed change in ICC protocol on testing bowlers with suspect actions. ‘Other bowlers from other countries are also being reported but what is surprising is most of them are off-spinners like Saeed,’ he said. (PTI)