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'Cleared' Ajmal claims will play in CWC if Pak 'needs him'

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ANI Karachi

Pakistan's ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, whose remodeled bowling action was cleared on Saturday by the International Cricket Council, has claimed that he would play in the World Cup if his country needs him.

Ajmal was reported after the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle in August of last year and failed the initial test on his bowling action, which was performed on 25th of August at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

However, after a sustained period of remedial work with former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, Ajmal is now available for an immediate return to international cricket, Pak Passion reported.

 

Ajmal insisted that he was confident that he would pass the official test. He added that his aim is to carry on bowling without any fear of being called for an illegal action and to focus on being the number one bowler in the world.

Over his availability for the World Cup, Ajmal stated that he doesn't read too much into media reports about the management saying this and that, insisting that it's been a pleasure playing for Pakistan and he hopes that he can proudly wear the Pakistan shirt again soon.

Ajmal said that this has been a tough time for him and his family, adding that never mind thinking about playing in a World Cup, there have been times of late that he was ready to quit cricket altogether as he was feeling so low and dejected.

The off-spinner insisted that one starts doubting themselves and start doubting whether one would play cricket ever again. He claimed that mentally at times he was drained and it was good to have the support of friends and family around him.

Ajmal said that as a cricketer he just wants to play cricket, to entertain and to do his best for whichever team he is playing for, adding that if his country needs him, then he would play in the World Cup.

Ajmal also stated that if he is not required, then he would watch the matches on television and wish the team all the best and hope that they can lift the trophy.

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First Published: Feb 08 2015 | 5:14 PM IST

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