Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought the help of former champion spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to enable Saeed Ajmal make a return to international cricket before the World Cup.
“The PCB has contacted me to help and work with Ajmal,” Saqlain confirmed on Wednesday from London.
Saqlain is regarded as Pakistan’s top off-spin bowler and the pioneer of the “doosra” delivery, who ended up with 208 Test and 288 one-day wickets before a knee injury cut short his career.
Saqlain, who now runs his own spin bowling academy in the United Kingdom, was never reported in his career for his action. But his successor, Ajmal was suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday from bowling in international cricket after he failed bowling tests in Brisbane.
Ajmal was reported for his action by match officials after the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last month. He has also been previously reported for his action in 2009 but was cleared after ICC tests.
Saqlain said at present Saeed’s elbow appeared to be going beyond the 15 degrees extension allowed by the ICC.
“Yes he seems to be having problems but he is a born fighter and I am sure he can adjust himself and his bowling to different conditions,” Saqlain said.
“Saeed will have to review his bowling action and remodel it accordingly because of the new protocols of the ICC on bowling actions,” he added.
Saqlain said that despite a busy schedule he was always ready to do his bit for Pakistan cricket and would like to work with Ajmal.
Saqlain had also applied for the spin bowling coaching position this year to the PCB but it preferred to appoint leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.
Ajmal, who has been Pakistan’s top bowler in the last three years has emulated Saqlain’s success in many ways by taking 178 wickets in 35 Tests and 183 wickets in 111 ODIs. (PTI)