Sports

Saeed Ajmal awaits selectors' signal to call it quits

37-year-old off-spinner says he has always been selected on 'merit' and 'performance'

Sports Desk September 01, 2015

Ajmal says he will participate in the national T20 championship for selectors to monitor his performance. PHOTO: REUTERS

Pakistan ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal said he is ready to hang his boots if the management tells him that he is no longer a part of their future plans.

"I have always played on merit and my performances but if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) feels I can't play for the national team anymore, I would request them to let me know so that I can than retire gracefully and with self-respect," Ajmal told a local news channel on Tuesday, as quoted by DNA India.

"The PCB has also done a lot for me and supported me in my testing times all I want is a clear picture where I stand.”

The 37-year-old has been in deep waters after the selectors have shown signs of dissatisfaction with his most recent performance for Worcestershire in the English county this season, with a remodelled action.

Ajmal was banned from bowling by the ICC in September after which he underwent remedial work on his action. He made a comeback to the team against Bangladesh but he was unable to impress anyone. Later, he was dropped from the team which toured Sri Lanka.

"I have never forced anyone to select me in the Pakistan team,” said Ajmal.

“If I perform well and impress the selectors fine if they are not convinced, it is not a problem for me.”

"I have always played my cricket with self-respect and pride and all I want is a proper chance to announce my retirement and thank all my well-wishers and supporters.”

Ajmal added that he is going to participate in the national T20 championship and it is the best time for the selectors to see if he is still worth his mettle.

"If they want to test me out again at the NCA I am also ready for that,” said Ajmal.

“I am coming back to play in the national T20 championship main rounds and the selectors and people can decide whether I have improved as a bowler with my modified action or not," he said.

He concluded that he is feeling more confident with his new action after his stint in England.

"When I played against Bangladesh, I was still experimenting with my action but now things are different and I don't think my career is over. I know I can still play a while for my country," he stated.