Pakistan coach keen to play Ajmal in T20 WC

Karachi:

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam is keen to play off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who has been reported for a suspect action, in next month's Twenty20 World Cup and said he is confident that the tweaker would come out clean in the ICC's review.

"I am confident his action would be cleared in these latest tests. And even if there are some issues with his 'doosra' he can still play," Alam said.

"Let us see what the tests show but we don't think there is anything wrong with his action and we want to play him in the World Cup," he added.

Ajmal recently returned from Perth, Australia after undergoing a review of his bowling action under the supervision of Dr Bruce Elliot, a well-known biomechanic expert at an ICC accredited testing facility.

Elliot is due to submit his findings on Ajmal's bowling action to the ICC this week after which the Pakistan Cricket Board would decide whether to risk the off-spinner in the T20 World Cup.

However, PCB chief operating officer, Salim Altaf has said that the board is considering withdrawing Ajmal from Pakistan squad for the biennial event as it does not want to risk him in such a big tournament.

The off-spinner had to be flown to Perth after his action, particularly while bowling the 'doosra', was reported by the match officials in the recent one-day series against Australia.

Interestingly, the team management has allowed Ajmal to skip the conditioning camp as they feel he is exhausted after a Australia visit and needs some rest before playing in the practice matches in Lahore ahead of the T20 World Cup.