Saqlain Mushtaq relieved from supervising Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal

Suspended Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal will have to continue work on his remedial action without the guidance of Saqlain Mushtaq as PCB’s Cricket Committee have decided against renewing the former player’s contract by 15 days, reports NDTV.

The news contradicts from ESPN Cricinfo‘s report that said the former Pakistan international has been asked to stay for an additional 15 days. Further, the cricket website explains that the extension was to ensure that the country’s leading spinner comes out clean as Ajmal plans to appeal for a reassessment in hope that he can be a part of the World Cup in 2015.

Saqlain returning to England

However, NDTV has reported that Saqlain has been asked to leave after helping out Ajmal with his action at the National Cricket Academy over the last one month.

The former Pakistan off-spinner confirmed the news on his Twitter account:

"Following this evaluation the cricket committee will decide whether or not to acquire the services of Saqlain Mushtaq afresh," a PCB release had said.

A well informed source in the board was quoted as saying: "Basically Saqlain has got some other offers including one from the West Indies Cricket Board so obviously he wanted to be clear about his immediate future".

It is understood that the 37-year-old will now return to England on Friday.

"If required Ajmal might be sent to England in early November so that Saqlain can be with him before his evaluation at the lab in Cardiff," the source added on the same.

Ajmal has a chance of making it to the World Cup

Speaking on the bowler’s progress on his illegal action, PCB Cricket Committee chairman Shakil Sheikh said: "Ajmal has been tested on the 2D equipment at the NCA, where he has [shown] significant improvement. After the remedial work is complete, he shall be tested in a state of the art lab with 3D facility".

The committee arranged for a meeting involving other board members headed by PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan to discuss the issue and it is learnt that Najam Sethi, the former PCB chairman, also attended the meeting on a special invite.

Notably, Saqlain had mentioned earlier that his ward has a “realistic chance” to be back for the World Cup. The 35-year-old Ajmal was regarded as one of the best finger spinners in the world before he was suspended from bowling in international matches in September.

Since then, there have been mixed reactions from various parts of the cricketing world on the sudden crackdown of bowlers with illegal action prior to the mega event.

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Edited by Staff Editor