ISLAMABAD: Saeed Ajmal, one of Pakistan’s best off-spinners ever, announced his retirement from all formats of the game here on Wednesday. He was duly offered a guard of honour by Lahore Whites and Faisalabad cricketers after the semi-final game at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in his last appearance in domestic cricket.

Ajmal, who ended up on the losing side while leading Faisalabad, picked up just one wicket and scored a golden duck in his last appearance.

During his successful but controversial career, the brilliant spinner stayed on top of world ODI and T20 rankings for a substantial period as the number one bowler in world cricket. He was also considered among the best spinners in Test cricket and famously took 24 wickets in three Tests against England in a series in 2012 played in the UAE.

During his international career, the 40-year-old bowler took 184 wickets in 113 ODIs, 178 wickets in 35 Tests and 85 wickets in 64 Twenty20 Internationals.

Addressing a press conference at the Pindi Cricket Stadium after the match, Ajmal officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

“Time has come to focus on my cricket academy,” he said and added that he will do his best to train and coach the youth at his academy.

The spin wizard said that during his career, former captains Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq supported him a lot. “Thank God, during my career I played leading role in many victories of my team,” he said. “I consider it an achievement that I rose to be world’s number spinner.”

He also appreciated his region for supporting him during critical time. “I am satisfied with my performance,” he said and also hailed the Pakistan Cricket Board for its support for him. “I would always remembers 2009 World Twenty20 which we won in England by defeating Sri Lanka in the final,” he recalled.

Ajmal also criticised the way the bowling actions of quite a few Pakistan bowlers were frequently made controversial. “There are others too, Indian bowlers and other players, but why is that only Pakistanis are singled out for suspect action every time,” he asked.

In the end, Ajmal said that he will continue to play T20 leagues around the world besides serving Islamabad United as coach.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2017