Pakistan's suspended off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has not given up hope on playing in the 2015 World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Ajmal told reporters in Lahore today that the ban imposed on him from bowling in international cricket was disappointing but its not the end of the world.
"I don't take it as a pressure or tension. For me it is a challenge. Obviously I am saddened like every other Pakistani because of the ban. But I am confident that with the help of a legend like Saqlain Mushtaq and our coaches I can get back into international cricket before the World Cup," he said at a function organized by his bank to give him his promotion letter.
Ajmal was reported by match officials after the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last month and subsequently sent for biomechanic tests to Brisbane. The test results from the ICC accredited laboratory showed he was easily breaking the 15 degrees elbow extension allowed by the ICC while bowling.
Ajmal now two options either to appeal against the suspension or remodel his action and appear in the biomechanic tests again.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said it had put aside the appeal option because if it fails Saeed can be banned from bowling for another year or so.
Instead it has hired Pakistan's former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to come to Lahore and work with Ajmal and help him remodel his bowling action.
"I am happy Saqlain will be working with me. He is a legend and I learnt a lot watching him bowl. I am sure he and other coaches will be able to work out any problems with my bowling action," Ajmal said.
The off-spinner who has been Pakistan's top bowler for the last three years said that the suspension came as a disappointment but he would continue to fight for revival.
"I know what I am capable of and with the PCB and people all supporting me I know I can make a comeback soon," he said.
