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28 March 2024

UAE cricket fans shocked at ICC ban on Pakistan spinner Ajmal

In this file photograph taken on August 30, 2014, Pakistan cricketer Saeed Ajmal delivers a ball during the third and final One Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla, some 150 kms north of Colombo. Top Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has been suspended from international cricket after tests found his bowling action was illegal, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on September 9. (AFP)

Published
By Allaam Ousman

Cricket fans in the UAE especially from Pakistan reacted with disbelief at the ICC's (International Cricket Council) decision on Tuesday to ban off-spinner Saeed Ajmal because of an illegal bowling action with immediate effect.

The ICC confirmed in a statement issued in Dubai that "an independent analysis has found the bowling action of Pakistan’s off-spinner Saeed Ajmal to be illegal and, as such, the player has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.

"The analysis revealed that all his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations."

Many felt Ajmal was being victimised like Sri Lanka's bowling legend Muttiah Muralitharan had been earlier because he had emerged as the leading spinner in world cricket.

"It's not good for the game. He (Ajmal) is one of the world class bowlers. Rather than impose a ban he should be sent for rehab because he is an all-time great," said Gamal Rahim, a Sri Lankan.

Most expressed surprised that ICC should wield the axe despite his action being cleared five years ago.

"I'm surprised if he has been cleared earlier and not changed his action about the ban. I'm sure he will appeal and get it revoked. He is an asset to Pakistan and hopefully would play again for the country," said Adil Maqbool, a UAE-based Pakistan squash professional.

"I'm surprised since he has been playing for a long time and has been outstanding during the last three years. If there was any doubt they should have checked it at the earlier stages. After playing for so many years (to find his action illegal), I find it strange," remarked Arif Pardesi, a Pakistani.

Conspiracy theories were also floated with the ICC being accused of targetting Asian bowlers who had become almost unplayable.

"He has already been cleared. This is some ICC conspiracy targeting Asians," said another Sri Lankan Neville Fernando.

"ICC need to review their policy. They are always after Asians especially when they do well against England and Australia. I fail to realise ICC criteria (for banning Ajmal) especially after he has taken so many wicket and he is a legend," said Fahad Usman, a former UAE player of Pakistan origin who has played against India and Sri Lanka.

There were some who were guarded in their criticism of the ICC but others failed to the understand the ICC criteria for ruling a bowler's action illegal.

"If the experts say his action is suspect, he should rectify it. Maybe he has changed his action (despite being cleared earlier). Without a valid reason ICC wouldn't ban him," said Mohammed Isfahani, a Sri Lankan.

Imtiaz Zafardeen, a Sri Lankan who has played against the likes of Muralitharan was more forthright.

"Having played, watched and written about the game, I'm really confused with the ICC criteria. To say someone can bend the elbow and pick wickets is against thinking of game. Always bowlers who are a threat to international cricket are being targeted," said the Dubai-based banker.

He called for a radical change in ICC's rules regarding bowling actions.

"Bowlers should be allowed to bend their arms as much as they want. Otherwise they should ban switch hitting because it gives an unfair advantage to batsmen. At this rate the game will lose its moral and bowlers will be afraid to bowl," added Zafardeen.

The expatriate community in the UAE comprising mostly Indian, Pakistan and Sri Lankan cricket fans were united in wishing that Ajmal would not be lost to the game.

"I think England first objected about three years when they played in the UAE. It is a big blow for Pakistan since they are playing Australia and New Zealand in UAE and the World Cup is also there. I'm sure he will make a comeback," said Yasin Ali, a former off spinner at Fly Emirates.

Ajmal, who was reported after the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle last month, "can apply a re-assessment after he has modified his bowling action in accordance with clause 2.4 of the Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions," the ICC statement added.

The ruling is a blow to Pakistan ahead of their series against Australia in the UAE starting next month.

It also comes just a few months before the one-day Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which starts in February.

"It will be really sad for Pakistan because he is their matchwinner and their trump card. His death bowling in last two-three years has been outstanding," added Arshad Ali, a former opening batsman and leg-spinner for UAE.

SAEED AJMAL FACTBOX:

Born: Oct 14, 1977 at Faisalabad, Punjab.

Made his international debut on July 2, 2008 in Karachi in an ODI against arch-rivals India.

Made his test debut at Galle in 2009 against hosts Sri Lanka.

Has played 35 Tests for Pakistan, claiming 178 wickets at an average of just over 28.

Has played 111 ODIs, claiming 183 wickets at an average marginally over 22.

Has 85 wickets from 63 Twenty20 Internationals.

Known for his variations and considered a premier exponent of the controversial doosra deilvery, which spins the other way.

Claimed his best match haul of 11 for 111 in the 2011 Providence Test against West Indies.

Was reported for suspect bowling action in 2009 before being cleared.

Reported again last month after the Galle Test against Sri Lanka.

Suspended on Tuesday after the ICC found all his delivery actions illegal.