Out-of-favour spinner Saeed Ajmal has been suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after accusing the global Cricket Council (ICC) of singling him out on the illegal bowling action issue.
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“Why just target the off-spinners?”
However, a remodelled action rendered him ineffective and he was not selected for the current series against England. “Why not left-arm spinners, leg-spinners or fast bowlers?”
Ajmal was demoted to a category B contract earlier this year after failing to make an impact on his return to global cricket following his suspension for an illegal bowling action.
“I’m disappointed with Ajmal for his remarks and the board has chose to suspend his contract”, said Shaharyar. Speaking to reporters after announcing the punishment handed out to Ajmal, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan revealed that an explanation has been sought from Ajmal for his comments.
“We have taken the minimum action on the violation of discipline and have suspended his contract, stopped releasing his salary and have asked him to explain his comments”.
Ajmal has not played for Pakistan since April when he took one wicket in two ODIs against Bangladesh and was also wicketless in a T20.
In September this year, Ajmal also stated that he was ready to retire if the PCB told him that they no longer need his services.
Ajmal also indicated that there are plenty of bowlers who, if tested, will be found violating the allowed 15 degree elbow extension.
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In a recent tirade against the cricket’s world governing body, Ajmal accused the ICC of double-standards, claiming that off-spinners have been unfairly targeted and suggesting that the players of a few countries – notably Pakistan – are more likely to be reported than those from a few others. “We have always supported him, helped him throughout in his tough time and even hired Saqlain Mushtaq to work on his action”, the PCB chief said.
