Suspended Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal’s modified bowling action will be put to an official ICC test in Chennai on January 24.
Ajmal had stated that he would prefer to be tested in Brisbane and he didn’t want to go to Chennai. But the bowler, who would be missing the World Cup because of the suspension for illegal action, now says he has no issues with Chennai.
“The PCB has informed me I will take the test in Chennai as per instructions of the ICC and I have no issues going to India,” he said.
Ajmal, who was suspended from bowling in international cricket last September, also made it clear that the PCB had given him no indication that he could be pushed into the World Cup squad at the last minute if he cleared the official test.
“Right now I am only thinking about the test and I am confident I can pass it this time and get to bowl again in international cricket,” he added.
Pakistan’s other suspended off-spinner Muhammad Hafeez recently undertook an unofficial test at the bowling centre in Chennai but he will probably go to Brisbane for his official ICC test before the World Cup.
Hafeez was also suspended from bowling in international cricket in November after failing the ICC test but since then he is in the final World Cup squad as an opening batsman.
An official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said though the ICC had informed them about a tentative date for Ajmal’s test and also confirmed it would be held in Chennai but a final written confirmation was awaited.
“Saeed is ready to take the official test and we are also ready to back him as he has worked very hard on correcting his bowling action,” an official said.
Confusion prevails over the fate of Ajmal if he fails the official ICC test as there is talk about him not being able to take a retest for 12 months. A source in the board said it had sought some clarification on this issue.
