A magician during his heydays, Saeed Ajmal has finally decided to hang up his boots from international cricket at the end of the ongoing National Twebty20 tournament in Rawalpindi. The offie lost his wicket-taking abilities ever since his action was deemed illegal in 2014. Despite an intense corrective programme, Ajmal didn’t manage to get the same bite which he used to get earlier. He eventually got frustrated, and with his age being 40, the correct decision was made by Ajmal.
“This national event is my last tournament and I don’t want to be a burden on any team,” said Ajmal during a match on Monday.
“I am highly satisfied with my career although the last two years were frustrating. The process of dealing with bowlers of illegal action seemed to be only for me and (Mohammad) Hafeez because there are a number of bowlers who are still playing with faulty actions.
“But before anyone can raise a finger against my selection (in domestic matches), I want to leave and that’s my final decision.” Ajmal last played for Pakistan in 2015 with a remodelled action but was ineffective and conceded 74 runs without bagging any wicket in one of the matches and then went for plenty in the T20I.
He was never selected in the national team ever again. He criticised the selectors for not allowing him to represent his nation again. He has now conceded the fact that he has forgiven everyone and moved on from those days.
“I have forgiven everyone, from Michael Vaughan and Stuart Broad because they were the ones who hurt me with their comments in 2014,” said Ajmal. “I am thankful to all my fellow players, mostly to Misbah-ul-Haq for his confidence in me, and all my friends and family.”
Controversies surrounding his action marred Ajmal’s international career, but despite his drawbacks, he ended up having a great record in limited overs cricket.