Ever since he was barred from bowling in international cricket for having an illegal bowling action, discarded Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has made a few controversial remarks about the game’s functioning. Ajmal, who had an ordinary second stint post remodeling his action, has once again spoken about the way in which spinners are treated in the game.
In his interaction with the press, Ajmal stated that the game was massively tilting in favor of batsmen. The off-spinner said that pacers were given the liberty to bowl two bouncers in an over, but spinners enjoyed no such privileges. Ajmal also opened up on the indiscipline surrounding the Pakistani side and how new coach Mickey Arthur could make a potential difference.
“It feels like I’m starting my career again. Honestly, it’s felt like I was back at school learning how to bowl again,” Ajmal said. “I’ve had to redevelop my bowling and re-invent myself as a cricketer. It’s been a long, tough road but I’m happy with where I am at the moment and I’m pleased with my form.”
“Modern day cricket has become a game that has been designed for batsmen,” Ajmal said. “Spinners are penalized for their bowling actions but look at the size of cricket bats these days, they are like tree trunks. Also, look at the power-play rules and the relevant field settings. “Fast bowlers have been given two bouncers an over, but what concessions have the spinners been given? I’ll tell you what they’ve been given – nothing apart from more suspicion and scrutiny. “The art of off-spin is dying and the number of off-spinners around the world is dwindling,” said Ajmal.
Stating that discipline matters a lot in international cricket, Ajmal said, “Discipline is a must. There must be no compromise when it comes to discipline in Pakistan cricket and this is perhaps an area where we have let ourselves down in the past,” Ajmal said. “Some of our boys have lacked discipline on and off the field and this has meant that they have underachieved so far in their careers. Those boys need to take a look at themselves and think about what they want to achieve from cricket, before it’s too late for them.” “There is no point having talent if you have no discipline. Some Pakistan players need someone behind them with a stick to get them to work and hopefully Mickey Arthur is that man.”