Spin maestro Saeed Ajmal rejects PCB’s farewell offer
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KARACHI: Spin maestro Saeed Ajmal has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s offer of a “fitting send-off”.
“I have no intention to quit one-day or Twenty20 cricket at the moment,” the 38-year-old spinner told Dawn on Tuesday. “I have worked really hard to stage a comeback and my performance in the National T20 Cup reflects that.”
PCB executive committee chairman Najam Sethi on Saturday tweeted from England, where he is on vacation, that Shahid Afridi along with Ajmal will be given fitting send-offs in a charity match.
Read: Pakistan cricket’s struggling next generation worries Misbah
Ajmal was the highest wicket-taker in the national competition, where he took 20 wickets in nine matches at an economy of 6.28. He averaged 11 during the tournament, giving away 220 runs in 35 overs that he bowled throughout.
“I have proved my fitness in the National T20 Cup. I should be given a chance. If I fail to perform, I will walk away myself,” Ajmal, who has represented Pakistan in 35 Tests and 113 one-day internationals, said.
“The Board doesn’t have a decent off-spinner in its entire domestic structure.”
Read: Time on the sidelines will shatter Ajmal’s confidence, says Miandad
The Faisalabad-born spinner, who mastered the art of doosra, said the national selectors had asked him to work on his fitness and performance in the domestic circuit.
“I have proved my form and fitness. I am not quitting and will keep on playing domestic cricket,” he said. “I have played a key role in so many victories; the Board should give me a chance like the West Indies are giving to Sunil Naraine.”
Meanwhile, Afridi’s dream of being accorded a graceful retirement from international cricket, too, has been abruptly put on a backburner, after he was overlooked for the 15-member Pakistan squad for West Indies Twenty20s, starting from September 23.
Read: Afridi was made T20 captain after retirement assurance, says Shaharyar
By some media accounts, the flamboyant all-rounder wanted the Board to accord him a “graceful exit”. But the national selection committee, headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, decided against including him in the squad.
Afridi, however, quashed such reports.
“This is completely incorrect. If I really wanted to leave, I would have left after the World Twenty20 but I did not want to go that way. Having played for so many years, I have earned the right to leave the game in a good way,” he said.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (56) Closed
Sep 20, 2016 01:31pm
What a silly joke?
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Sep 20, 2016 01:41pm
Make him spin coach for pak team.
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Sep 20, 2016 01:46pm
What a joke-you had him performing in literally almost every match and now a send off in a charity match.
Afridi,though, did not learn and mature but gave some awesome performances which can not be forgotten.
This is how we treat our National assets.Lots of Olympic medal winners from the past are fitting light bulbs on bicycles now.What a country we are.
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Sep 20, 2016 01:51pm
You only earn respect, not demand!
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Sep 20, 2016 01:54pm
Spin maestro, seriously !! Wasn't he banned for 1 year for having illegal action?
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Sep 20, 2016 01:56pm
Saeed Ajmal's performance in recent domestic cricket appeared to have flaws similar to those that resulted in his change of action.
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Sep 20, 2016 02:08pm
It's true that a horse pulls the cart but that doesn't mean that you ask the horse where he wants to go. When he was in the team he sure was unplayable and won the team many matches. Then it came out that he was, all along, bowling and getting away with illegal deliveries. After his remodelled action he was found to be wanting and was replaced. Now he seems to be demanding to be in the team..........on whose expense? It's time to move on........gracefully would be a classy way to go instead of humiliation, that is sure to follow, if he were to be given a front row role in the team.
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Sep 20, 2016 02:08pm
Exactly right saying Saeed Ajmal. Look at the game played records... Saeed has played only 113 ODI international, whereas other players have been played more as compared to Saeed. For example Shahid Afridi played 398 ODI. Its not good behavior by PCB to Saeed . He shined the name of Pakistan, reached at the top position of all format in ICC ranking. Now it is imperative PCB should have to give a chance to him, if he will not get remarked able performance then there will be no place for Saeed in squad. He also says if i can not perform, i will go back automatically .
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Sep 20, 2016 02:27pm
It is myopic of PCB to target a player not based on merit. His domestic record should be considered and he should be given a chance based on current level of fitness and performance.
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Sep 20, 2016 02:31pm
We have better offspinners.
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Sep 20, 2016 02:36pm
@Raj - Yes seriously. His record speaks for itself. Yes - he was banned, but after playing loads of international cricket (Blame the rules/regulations- not the bowler).
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Sep 20, 2016 02:45pm
Sunil Naraen Made a great comeback and became No 1 bowler in ODI's So please saeed a chance
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Sep 20, 2016 03:08pm
Mr. Sethi's pronouncement of giving befitting send off to the player(s) he allegedly named, if true, was out of place and prematurely mistimed. Unless and until a player of his own volition decides to retire from the game, one can not send him off, befittingly or not, partucularly if he is chairman of PCB. You know what it means?
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Sep 20, 2016 03:11pm
@Haider And can you name anyone, please?
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Sep 20, 2016 03:09pm
There was no need for Najam Sethi to tweet on Ajmal's farewell. Unnecessary creating issues. Sethi does not seem to be mature enough to hold the post. The change in Pak Cricket needs to start from top and perculate to the players.
R.S. Menon, Bangalore
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Sep 20, 2016 03:13pm
@Raj
and look Hippocratic icc who is still allowing ashwin to bowled albeit his bowling action more illegal than any one other bowler in the field.
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Sep 20, 2016 03:18pm
@Raj He wasn't banned for a year mate (there's a difference between being reported and being banned). It was Hafeez who was banned for a year. Ajmal was dropped because of being ineffective due to a remedied bowling action.
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Sep 20, 2016 03:32pm
This Pakistan - Saeed Ajmal a consistent player for Pakistan in less matches he played in TEST - ODI - T20 , Afridi a inconsistent player in every format still played alot and given uncountable chances whole of his career.
All cricket boards have 1 chairman and only PCB have 2 chairmens so the whole system is wrong way from the top then we can assume a red carpet ending for Afridi, People of Pakistan wake up and look around in entire Pakistan and stand for all wrong ways.
Ashwin and Jadeja can only take wickets in India but Ajmal Saqlain were worldwide performers.
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Sep 20, 2016 03:32pm
Let him play if he performs better.
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Sep 20, 2016 03:35pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad I think you are a fan of Aridi so it is really a silly joke calling him back for a farewell
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Sep 20, 2016 03:36pm
@Raj - spinners from all countries got banned so your Ashwin becomes number 1 who can only take wickets in India or a weaken side ... He really have illegal action of balling and balls 2 different balls with showing his fingers lol .... teach him to balling with same action ... pause bowler.
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Sep 20, 2016 03:44pm
@Raj: yes he was banned, then came back after working on his action. That doesn't take anything away from the fact that he has talent. Only Indians get away with the bans...
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Sep 20, 2016 03:52pm
This is where our sportsmen fall down. The guy is 38, even if he had a good national t20 cup, he is no good for the team. He will never get into the team. Pak need to play high octane cricket now and this lad has no octane anymore.
He should just play franchise cricket and make some money.
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Sep 20, 2016 04:11pm
Pakistan players have no dignity so that they can retire gracefully and on right time. Afridi should have retired from T20 at the time when he retired from 50 over format.
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Sep 20, 2016 04:12pm
Saeed Ajmal seems fine in domestic cricket...PCB and Sethi should not do anything
without taking Saeed Ajmal and Afridi in full confidence...they are national heroes..
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Sep 20, 2016 04:16pm
He really deserves the chance. I have never seen any off spinner like him. He made it impossible for any international cricketer to play him. He was very loyal to country also.
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Sep 20, 2016 04:17pm
@ Raj think before u say stupid things. He was master class and remained in top of every format of the game. And not to mention that action was legal, later icc changed the rules of spin bowling and started checking the action. Still after getring the ban he remained at no. 1 for 6 long months. So take an idea of lead from other bowlers
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Sep 20, 2016 04:48pm
Another audacious approach that is going to cost dearly,now,to this man.At 38,he is not going to keep appearing,for long,for his team.He has been given a graceful offer and it is high time he grabs it and retire with dignity.
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Sep 20, 2016 04:52pm
@Sim He was master class because of illegal bowling action. What happened to his master class with corrected action? We all know.
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Sep 20, 2016 05:43pm
Nobody has the right to be given a farewell according to their wishes if they do not deserve a place in the playing eleven. A charity match should be enough.
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Sep 20, 2016 05:51pm
At 38, he doesn't have too many options. Take it or leave it.
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Sep 20, 2016 06:22pm
Both of them are not national heroes
Saeed Ajmal got wickets with illegal action
Afridi always played for himself NEVER for Pakistan. He never played according to the need of the hour just hit the ball where ever it go s
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Sep 20, 2016 06:30pm
@JQ Afridi might be inconsistent but he got all his wickets will legal action while Saeed Ajmal got all his wickets with an action that was pronounced illegal for all type of his deliveries.
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Sep 20, 2016 06:48pm
It's all over mate!
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Sep 20, 2016 07:20pm
How many players from other countries are playing after turning 38 years of age? Walk away myself??? When did that happen last time in Pakistan?
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Sep 20, 2016 07:29pm
Those who have seen Said Ajmal bowl recently will agree that he is back and doing what he used to do best. He should be included in the test and the ODi squads. If Younis 38 and Misbah 42 can play then why Said Ajmal can't. Isn't it all about fitness?
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Sep 20, 2016 07:57pm
@Shahid - Younis and Misbah are both batmen, and Saeed Ajmal is a bowler. A batsman at age 38 or 42, can bat all day, but a bowler at age 38, can't bowl all day. That's why batsmen have longer career as compared to bowlers. It'd be better for him to retire himself, and enjoy life.
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Sep 20, 2016 08:05pm
@J. Gamble - or open a Cricket Academy.
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Sep 20, 2016 08:33pm
Whats the problem? Whether one is 2 yrs old or 98 years old if he can bowl competitively and is the best or one of the best bowlers what does age have to do with it? Right now it remains Ajmal is one of the best in PK. Besides if age is a matter why is Sharyar still there?
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Sep 20, 2016 08:45pm
The best spin bowler of Pakistan since 2000 has been Danish Kaneria. Ajmal can be included if he is in form, look at Gareth Batty for England.
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Sep 20, 2016 09:08pm
@Seneca -When two nations play against each other, they pick up their best of bests, not just 2 years old or 98 years old. Age does matter. Based on medical tests, a 38 years old cannot be as strong, fast as a 20 years old. Sharayar Khan is not playing, because he is too old. I've no problem with Saeed Ajmal, and I just call spade a spade.
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Sep 20, 2016 09:11pm
@Anjum
Then force ICC with facts and evidence to act against,
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Sep 20, 2016 10:37pm
Continuous indiscipline actions by Azhar Ali first and now Saeed Ajaml. But PCB will not take action against them, do you know why?
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Sep 20, 2016 10:54pm
Feel bad for him I think PCB should give him a chance in Test match against West Indies have him bowl alongside with Yasir Shah this will clearly tell us where he stands now at international level. Another thing goes against him is his age as everyone talking about giving chance to youngsters and this won't help him.
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Sep 20, 2016 10:56pm
@Raj.. Yes he is a spin maestro. Atleast he was banned for bowling action after which he improved himself to be able to continue his bowling unlike some ugly fugly sissy Indian spin bowlers like KUMBLE who could not take wickets and instead of his bowling the Indian unpires assisted him to take wickets by giving all incorrect LBWs. I havent seen any Indian bowler who could spin even little bit.
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Sep 20, 2016 10:59pm
@J. Gamble A quick bowler yes but I imagine a spinner could still play a long career. Brad Hogg played well into his forties, I believe. Spin bowling isn't nearly as demanding as quick bowling.
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Sep 20, 2016 11:25pm
@Haider which
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Sep 21, 2016 12:20am
“I have proved my fitness in the National T20 Cup. I should be given a chance. If I fail to perform, I will walk away myself,”
very fair
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Sep 21, 2016 01:22am
DESPERATELY NEEDED- PCB now recruiting world class cricketers. Under 40 need not apply.
Only in Pakistan. What more can I say. Professional jokers cannot match the shenanigans PCB is capable of.
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Sep 21, 2016 01:58am
Saeed Ajmal should be included and given a chance.
No question . He has worked very hard and modified his action and needs to be tested before retirement. He is a match winner !!
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Sep 21, 2016 03:02am
Unfortunately he passed his prime. He is 38 and it's good time to retire. But Najam Sethi can't force him to retire if he wants to continue.
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Sep 21, 2016 07:16am
yes boy never giveup
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Sep 21, 2016 11:51am
@Farooq jawed It's true that a horse pulls the cart but that doesn't mean that you ask the horse where he wants to go.
So true , Shahid Afridi need to understand the meaningof this.
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Sep 21, 2016 01:43pm
@Laiq -How about Ashwin?
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Sep 22, 2016 12:03am
@J. Gamble What about him
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Sep 22, 2016 12:03am
And can you name anyone
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