Magician Ajmal retires from cricket

Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, considered one of the best exponents of spin in modern cricket has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Monday.

Ajmal stated that the ongoing National T20 Cup in Rawalpindi, will be his last event as a player.

“This national event is my last tournament and I don’t want to be a burden on any team,” said Ajmal, quoted Wisden India.

Ajmal bowling action was deemed illegal by the cricket bodies in 2014. However, the remodeled bowling action produced after an intense corrective programme with former great Saqlain Mushtaq, left Ajmal ineffective as a wicket taker.

“The last phase was frustrating,” said Ajmal. “But before anyone can raise a finger against my selection [in domestic cricket], I want to leave and that’s my final decision,” he added.

The 40 year old, made his international debut for Pakistan in 2008, and went on to pick 447 wickets in all formats of the game. The Faislabad born is known for his bowling display against the England series in UAE back in 2012 where he took 24-wickets, giving Pakistan a famous win over the then number one side.

Earlier, Ajmal was appointed as Islamabad United’s spin bowling coach for the upcoming third edition of PSL.