LAHORE: Pakistan's star spinner Saeed Ajmal vowed to make an early comeback to international cricket, adding that he was now over the initial shock of his ban.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday, Ajmal said, "International Cricket Council (ICC) decision was a temporary setback," adding that he would continue working with youngsters at the National Cricket Academy.
“Whatever happened it was disappointing for me, but now I am not disappointed at all. I am eyeing staging a strong comeback in the World Cup.“
The Pakistan Cricket Board has hired former test off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to assist Ajmal in remodeling his bowling action.
Saqlain is expected to join Ajmal at the academy early next week.
“He (Saqlain) is a legend and used to bowl exactly like me ... doosra, off-spin and everything,” Ajmal said.
“He knows a lot and had done enough coaching, hopefully I will get benefit from his experience.“
The selectors have also started searching for a suitable replacement of Ajmal for one-off Twenty20, three one-day internationals and two Test matches against Australia.
“We have lot of talent in our country,” Ajmal said.
“I am sure my replacement will perform better than me.“
The (ICC) banned Ajmal on September 9 after biomechanic tests revealed all his deliveries breached the permissible limit for straightening of the elbow joint.
Know more: ICC bans Saeed Ajmal from bowling
"An independent analysis has found the bowling action of Pakistan's off-spinner Saeed Ajmal to be illegal and, as such, the player has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect," an ICC release had said.
Ajmal has about five months to correct his action and appeal for a reassessment in order to play in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his weight behind Ajmal and hopes the 'magician' makes a comeback soon.
“It’s been an absolute joy to watch him, though I’m sure all the batsmen whom he has dismissed won’t feel so, since for some of them, it has meant the end of their careers and ambitions as international players,” wrote Gavaskar in a column for India Today.
“Saeed Ajmal was like a ‘magician’. He is not exactly young, so it won’t be easy for him, but he has promised to work hard to get his action right and hopefully he does so, for cricket needs people like him.
Gavaskar also questioned the way suspect bowlers were being dealt with.
“If the umpires have a doubt about the bowler’s action, then he should take the skipper aside and tell him that if he continues to use him then he will be called. Reporting him later does not make much sense, for the damage has already been done,” added Gavaskar.
