KARACHI - Saeed Ajmal’s suspension is a setback for Pakistan team ahead of the 2015 World Cup, former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam said on Wednesday.
“It’s blow for Pakistan but efforts are afoot to take remedial steps,” he said here at the National Stadium where he came to inspect the facilities ahead of Regional T20 tournament starting here from September 17.
He said Ajmal was Pakistan and world’s top bowler for the past few years and performed creditably in all brands of cricket. However, he said these issues were part and parcel of the game and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking steps to overcome and resolve this problem. The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspected bowling action after umpires’ report and test in Sydney.
Intikhab said now PCB had launched extensive plans to eradicate this menace of suspect action from domestic cricket. He said a committee was formed to monitor the actions of some off-spinners.
Intikhab, himself a legendary right arm leg-spinner, said umpires had been asked to be extra careful and didn’t take any pressure while handling suspect action bowlers.
Meanwhile, Director Domestic Intikhab Alam termed the arrangements for holding the Regional Twenty20 Cup to be staged at National Stadium Karachi (NSK) from September 17 to 28 satisfied.
The event was schedule to be held at Multan from September 15 but was shifted to Karachi by Pakistan Cricket Board due to rains, floods and unavailability of security agencies there. Intikhab went around the stadium with general manager administration Col (r) Ashfaq Ahmed and Senior Manager NSK Arshad Khan and issued necessary directives to the ground staff.
He said all the five strips in which the matches are in top condition to hold the matches and practice area was ready for net sessions. Intikhab dispelled any security problems and said Karachi administration had given go ahead signal for the competition.
He said due to hectic schedule, the matches would be staged in day and nights and opening day will hold as many as four matches. He added PCB Security Officer Col (r) M Azam Khan was in touch with local administration regarding security arrangements.
In presence of KCCA president Prof Ejaz Faruqi and secretary Shafiq Kazmi, Intikhab said they would be extending support to the PCB in the conduct of the tournament. Overall, 39 matches will be played during the T20 Cup. He said entry for the matches would be through tickets. But schools would be provided free tickets for students to watch matches.
Commenting on the domestic plans, he said Karachi would be holding bulk of matches in December and January due to foggy conditions in Punjab. He admitted some of the team’s position in President’s Trophy was badly because of inclement weather.
KCCA chief Prof Faruqi assured his full support and assistance in successful conduct of the tournament.