Pakistani batting legend Javed Miandad has said that Pakistan could still bag next year's World Cup trophy even if ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal remained suspended due to a chucking ban.
Ajmal, the world's leading one-day bowler, was suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last week after tests found his action vastly exceeded the permitted 15 degrees of straightening. The ban has injured Pakistan's hopes of adding to its solitary World Cup win when the tournament is held in Australia and New Zealand next February to March.
Miandad said that Pakistan has won the title and that's history so they can win the title again if their players play to their potential, Sport24 reported.
Miandad, who is regarded as the best batsman Pakistan has produced and played a vital role in their last World Cup triumph 22 years ago in Australia, stressed that the team was not all about Ajmal, who is ranked the world's best one-day bowler by the ICC.
The former batsman said that Pakistan should not depend on one player, adding that do not think of a player who is not there, and others should fulfill their responsibilities.
After undertaking remedial work, Ajmal can apply to the ICC for another reassessment of his action and if cleared he can resume bowling at international level.
Pakistan will take on defending champions India in their first World Cup match at Adelaide on 15 February, the report added.