Saeed Ajmal optimistic after PCB decide to challenge bowling ban

Saeed Ajmal

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have decided to challenge ICC’s decision of suspending Saeed Ajmal from bowling in international cricket, which was announced earlier today, to an ICC-appointed Bowling Review Group (BRG). As per ICC rules, the PCB must lodge an appeal within the next two weeks for it to be considered.

PCB to appeal

The PCB’s decision to appeal against the ban could backfire as it may lead to Ajmal being banned from bowling for a period of time, but the board is keen to go ahead with the appeal in order to ascertain whether the ICC has covered all angles while scrutinizing the 36-year old’s action.

"Our experts understood that it is the doosra that may be suspected, but that proved wrong because his entire action was called illegal," PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said. "So that's a concern for us but we are going to appeal because we want to understand if the ICC has covered all the angles or not. An appeal obviously will benefit us because there is the chance that he may be cleared and get back straight away.

"Otherwise if the appeal is unsuccessful we are wary of the one-year ban imposed on him, but then again he can remodel his action within the period and return to cricket. We have two weeks to lodge an appeal. We have to face this with courage and go through it without panicking. We have bowlers who can fill in for Ajmal and won't let the team miss him."

Ajmal’s suspension has come about after an ICC accredited team of biomechanics experts tested his action at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane and found that all his deliveries were beyond the permissible 15 degree limit. Ajmal had been reported during the 1st Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Galle last month.

Ajmal confident

Despite the massive setback, Ajmal is optimistic that he will be cleared by the ICC once they take his medical reports into consideration. Ajmal has always maintained that he has a medical condition following an accident that affects the movement of his elbow. Ajmal was last reported for a suspect action in 2009, but he had been subsequently tested and cleared with his unique medical condition being acknowledged by the ICC at the time.

“They're yet to consider my medical reports. Once they do it I am sure there shouldn’t be any problem," Ajmal said.

"If one has a medical problem what can he do? Even earlier it was more than 15 degrees only because my arm has a natural bend.

"I'm 100% positive and looking forward for the best and by the Grace of Allah I will be in the World Cup XI,” he concluded.