Pakistan off-spinner Saaed Ajmal spoke exclusively to PakPassion.net to explain the circumstances around the early end to his association with Worcestershire, his progress in his comeback First-Class season and looked forward to his future in international cricket as well as the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

By Amir Husain (28th August, 2015)

In September 2014, when Pakistan lost the services of its premier spin bowler Saeed Ajmal, there weren’t many in the know who gave the thirty-six year old a chance to resurrect his international career. But perhaps they under-estimated the inner strength of the bowler who was Pakistan’s best attack weapon for almost six years. In the process, he picked up an astounding 447 wickets whilst playing 35 Tests, 113 ODIs and 64 T20Is, thus earmarking him for future greatness. Indeed, from November 2011 to December 2014, Ajmal was ranked by the International Cricket Council as the number one bowler in ODIs although with a ban on his bowling due to an illegal action, the writing seemed very well on the wall for the jovial and likeable Ajmal.

Undeterred by setbacks, Ajmal went to work to correct his action and his efforts were rewarded in February, 2015 when the ICC removed the ban on his bowling, thus making him eligible yet to play for Pakistan. Unfortunately, Ajmal’s much anticipated comeback series against Bangladesh in April 2015 did not yield favorable results and he has since remained out of favour with the Pakistan selectors. Ajmal then turned to county cricket in the summer of 2015 to try and regain some of his lost magic where he will shortly complete his stint with Worcestershire.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Ajmal sought to explain the circumstances around the early end to his association with Worcestershire, spoke about his progress in his comeback First-Class season, looked forward to his future in international cricket as well as the Pakistan Super League (PSL).


Worcestershire contract

“There was no sacking or early termination of my contract as some media are reporting. My contract with Worcestershire is until 4th September as I will be leaving for Hajj the day after I return to Pakistan next week. Worcestershire had wanted me to play for them for the whole season but I had decided and agreed with Worcestershire prior to signing the contract this season that I wouldn't be able to play the whole season and would return to Pakistan prior to the end of the season.”


The last few months

"The last few months have been a tough and difficult phase of my cricketing career and obviously I've not been as successful for Worcestershire this season, but overall I'm satisfied with how things have gone this season and I'm quite happy with my comeback into first-class cricket after the ban. I'm feeling positive and I've given my 100% effort to Worcestershire as I always have and hope that I will get the opportunity to play for them in future. They are a fantastic club and it's always an honour to play for them."


The continued improvement of my bowling action

“Worcestershire's Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes and biomechanics expert Paul Hurrion have been happy with the improvement I have shown with my bowling action since my return and that is heartening and goes well for the future.”


Aspirations to play again for Pakistan

"I'm looking forward to playing once again in the upcoming domestic cricket season in Pakistan and I'm ready to take on the challenge of regaining my place in the Pakistan team. I'm confident that I can perform well again in domestic cricket in Pakistan and make a comeback for my country and prove my critics wrong. It would be great to play for Pakistan again as international cricket is the pinnacle for any cricketer. I feel that I'm not a spent force when it comes to international cricket and as a bowler I still have something to offer my country."


Intentions to play in the Pakistan Super League and possibility of playing in other T20 leagues round the world.

"I'm also looking forward to playing in the Pakistan Super League which is an exciting venture and one that we are all looking forward to. There are a number of twenty20 leagues around the world and it's great news that the Pakistan Cricket Board is launching the PSL. As well as the PSL I'm available to play in leagues around the world and I'm in talks with one of the franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League."

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