Saeed Ajmal decides to take retirement from all formats
The spin maestro had been the best bowler in Tests by claiming 50 wickets in eight games during 2011
LAHORE (Dunya News) – The top Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal, who had once foxed big names in batting from all over the world, has now decided to say goodbye to the international arena.
Ajmal thinks it’s time to retire from Tests, ODIs and T20 matches. He was given chance to represent the green shirts at the senior age of 30 and his career.
In a career spanning to six years, he took 178 wickets in 35 Tests. In the shorter format, he played 113 ODI games and claimed 184 wickets. Ajmal also progressed in T20 internationals. He played 64 T20Is and took 85 wickets, not to mention with an economy rate of just 6.36.
Photo: Bowling career of Saeed Ajmal (ESPNCricinfo)
In the brief Test career, Ajmal was quick to claim 10 five-wicket-hauls and 4 ten-wicket hauls. He troubled the top batsmen from every country that he played against.
The spin maestro played an important role in 2009 T20 World Cup and helped lift the title. He was the second best bowler in the tournament.
After playing for Islamabad United in the first two editions of Pakistan Super League (PSL), he has switched to the role of bowling coach for the third edition. He will now spend his time nurturing the upcoming talents.
The thriving career of Saeed Ajmal met its demise after International Cricket Council (ICC) slapped a ban on the cricketer following its new rules. His action was declared illegal after several umpires reported against him and he was gone through a bowling test.
He made a comeback with a reformed bowling action against Bangladesh, but couldn’t create the same impact. Once dropped from the squad, Ajmal couldn’t appease the eyes of the selectors.
