Uphill task for Saeed Ajmal to play in the World Cup, says PCB Chairman

Saeed Ajmal

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan has said that suspended off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is doing everything he can to rectify his bowling action, but says it is very difficult to see the 36-year-old play in the World Cup next year in Australia and New Zealand.

Ajmal is working hard

"I have just spoken to Ajmal before I came here. He is trying very hard. There are a team of experts working with him headed by Saqlain but the point is he himself admitted that 'Sir mujhe maloom hain ki galti kahaan huyi hain aur main usse theek karne ki koshish bhi kar raha hoon’ (Sir I know where I have made a mistake and trying hard to rectify that)," Khan said during an interaction with the media at the Pakistan High Commission.

The career diplomat, who is visiting different Asian countries seeking resumption of cricket in Pakistan, said that the entire bowling action of the 36-year old off-spinner required changes and considers his chances of making it down under next year as 50-50.

"Ajmal is confident but it indeed is an uphill task. It's not only doosra or faster ball that is in question but his entire action and it is being changed. When you ask me what are his chances of playing I would say it is 50-50 as of now," he said.

Khan hopeful of teams touring Pakistan

Khan said that despite not having much hope that national teams will tour Pakistan, he wants A teams and junior teams to play in the country.

"Look, we are resigned to the fate that no senior team will travel to Pakistan as of now. What we want is the tours of A teams, U-19 teams and school teams so that cricketing ties at junior level," he added.

When asked about his views on India-Pakistan duels and what it meant for World Cricket, he said: "There is a report by ECB chief Giles Clarke that Indo-Pak series is more important than the Ashes."

The 80-year-old veteran also pointed out that one of his goals was to improve the game at the grassroots level.

"It is my aim to improve stadium, schools, universities and club cricket. I would like to see that overall standard improves," he said.