Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who retired from all forms of cricket lately took a dig at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) protocol to assess to test bowling action’s and made a shocking claim about the international bowlers.
His action was reported twice, first in 2009 against Australia in UAE and then again in 2014 against Sri Lanka in UAE.
Ajmal burst onto the international scene with his capability to turn the ball both ways; however, his time in the limelight cut short following a ban for chucking, Ajmal returned to the sport in 2015 with a rectified action but without much success.
“I am retiring today, and at 40 years of age, I thought it is now time for me to make way for younger players. I got this feeling I was being considered extra baggage even in domestic teams, and I didn’t want to go out losing my respect,” Ajmal stated after announcing his retirement.
However, Ajmal raised a question about ICC’s protocol of assessing bowlers and admitted if current bowlers are tested, 90 percent of them will fail to clear the test.
“I am retiring with a heavy heart because firstly I think the ICC’s protocol is too harsh and if all bowlers today playing international cricket are tested I am sure at least 90 percent will fail to clear this protocol,” the veteran spinner further added.
Talking about the issues he had with ICC’s protocol, Ajmal admitted it didn’t take into account some bowlers had natural medical problems with their arm while some may have developed issues after some accident. Ajmal has always claimed a road accident caused his arm to bend to some extent.
“I always enjoyed the challenge of international cricket, and it would have been ideal to retire with a match for Pakistan,” a heavy-hearted Ajmal signed off, who wants to stay in touch with the game by training youngsters.
(Pakistani Bowlers Singled Out Again For Their Bowling Actions, Alleges Saeed Ajmal)