Dubai/Karachi, Sept 9: The International Cricket Council (ICC) today suspended world’s number one ODI bowler Saeed Ajmal for an illegal bowling action, a decision which the Pakistan Cricket Board intends to challenge.
“The International Cricket Council today confirmed that an independent analysis has found the bowling action of Pakistan’s off-spinner Saeed Ajmal to be illegal and, as such, the player has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect,” the ICC said in a statement.
The analysis of the 36-year-old spinner’s action revealed that all his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.
“Saeed, who was reported after the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle last month, can apply a re-assessment after he has modified his bowling action in accordance with clause 2.4 of the Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions,” the ICC statement read.
The analysis was performed on August 25 by the ICC’s accredited team of Human Movement Specialists at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.
Reported to match referee Andy Pycroft by on-field umpires Ben Oxenford and Ian Gould, Ajmal played the second match only to see his team lose the game and the series.
Ajmal has played 35 Tests for Pakistan grabbing 178 wickets. His ODI record stands at an impressive 183 wickets from 111 matches. His 63 T20 appearances have yielded 85 wickets.
The bowler said that he was ready to fight his way back and represent the country in next year’s ICC World Cup.
“It is disappointing to learn the result of the biomechanic test in Brisbane but I have not given up. I don’t see the ban as a major problem as I know I can work out on the flaws and make a comeback,” Ajmal said from Faisalabad.
“I want to play in the World Cup and see my country doing well and I will do whatever it takes to be ready for the tournament. I am a fighter and I know what I have to do to get back into international cricket before the World Cup,” he added.
Ajmal was first reported for a suspect action in 2009 —
his debut year — but was cleared after tests at the University of Western Australia in Perth. The bowler was reported for his ‘doosra’.
This time, the ICC changed its protocols for testing bowling actions reported by umpires and match referees and the tests were held in Brisbane.
Apparently, the change was made after too many bowlers were cleared by the biomechanics in Perth.
A stung PCB today said it would appeal against the ICC’s decision.
“The ban on Ajmal is a big blow to Pakistan cricket and we will appeal against the decision,” PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan said.
“We don’t know the exact details but Saeed has the option of also working on his action and taking fresh tests when he is ready,” Khan said.
“What we know is that the ICC has recently changed its protocol on testing bowlers with suspect actions and other bowlers have also been reported. We could appeal in two weeks time,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Ajmal found support from fellow Pakistan players with former pacer Shoaib Akhtar, spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and former selector Mohsin Khan being vocal in their backing.
“I think legal action is the best option for Saeed at this time. I am surprised at the number of bowlers being reported for suspect actions all of a sudden by the ICC match officials. This new protocol needs to be challenged,” he added,” Akhtar said.
Mohsin said he was disappointed by the ban on Saeed Ajmal.
“He is a big asset for us and the PCB should now use all its resources to get him back into international cricket. I know no player is indispensable but if he is not available for the World Cup it will badly hit our chances of doing well there,” Mohsin said.
However, Pakistan’s former captain, Rashid Latif said he was expecting a suspension on Ajmal, all of whose deliveries were found to be illegal.
“The ICC has come down hard on bowlers with even minor issues in their action and it appears things have changed from the past when leniency was shown by match officials and umpires,” he said. (PTI)
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