LAHORE - Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal played his first match since his action was cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The spinner appeared in a trial match played here Monday between NCA A and B teams to select the U-17 team for the home series against England to be played in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
With the provision of this opportunity, it seems the board wanted to check the effectiveness of the spinner as they inducted the 37-year-old Ajmal in an U-17 match where he bowled total 12 overs in two spells taking one wicket. In his first spell, Ajmal bowled seven overs conceded 34 runs and got only one wicket while in his second spell, the off spinner bowled five overs conceding 13 runs for no wicket.
At one hand, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and the selectors have denied Ajmal’s inclusion in the World Cup-bound squad but on the other hand, consecutive poor performance of the team especially with the ball and back-to-back injuries of key players can compel the cricket board to include magical spinner in the world cup-bound squad.
Talking to the reporters after the match, Ajmal said he would continue to play cricket with a positive attitude. “I want to be ready as soon as possible.” When asked about Pakistan’s World Cup opener against India, he replied: “The team should remain focused and the nation should pray for the team’s success.”