Confident Ajmal sets sights on 2015 World Cup

Published November 25, 2014
Saeed Ajmal. — Reuters/File
Saeed Ajmal. — Reuters/File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal said he was confident of making a dramatic return to international cricket in time for the 2015 World Cup.

Talking to Private news channel, Ajmal said he was satisfied with the improvement in his action and was now setting his sights on the big event.

Ajmal said that after the remedial work he went through, he was now able to control his elbow extension and it's was only when he bowled the ‘doosra’ that his elbow extension exceeded 15 degrees.

The ICC's rules of course stipulate that all deliveries have to be under 15 degrees.

“I'm working hard on adjusting the doosra to ensure that it is also under 15 degrees and I'm confident that I will manage to do that,” said Ajmal.

Responding to a question, Ajmal said he was very pleased with the assessment of his doctors. “It was very consoling to see that some deliveries are down to 20 degrees. It is a much-needed positive news for me.”

“I will achieve that target with the help of former off spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and all the other individuals who are helping me and guiding me”.

Ajmal further stated that seeing Pakistan play so well in recent matches was 'delightful.'

“It's been brilliant to watch Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar come into the Pakistan team as my replacements and perform so well. I'm so happy for both of them and I hope they have long and successful careers for Pakistan,” said Ajmal.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) in September declared Pakistan spin maestro [Saeed Ajmal's bowling action as illegal][1], against the backdrop of which Ajmal will not be able to bowl at the international level.

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