Saeed Ajmal retires from all forms of Cricket

Former No.1 off spinner and legendary cricketer Saeed Ajmal announced his retirement today in an emotional press conference at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium after losing the the 1st semifinal against Lahore whites by 10 runs, hints continue playing league cricket. He received guard of honor from both the teams.

"I am quitting all forms of cricket after the current National Twenty20 tournament," Ajmal told media during press conference along with Shakeel Khan Pakistan Cricket Board media manager. “It was a highly satisfying career in which I achieved whatever goals I set for myself and helped the team win matches." He added.

He said, he was frustrated and hurt after the ban from ICC and ICC has really tough laws against the off-spinners especially against the Pakistani off-spinners. He gave the example of Mohammad Hafeez, who was recently given the ban for his suspected bowling action. Ajmal said there is no real problem with Hafeez bowling action and a bit of effort can make it right. He said he never had any wish to lead Pakistan team, it was too good to represent Pakistan.

Ajmal in his successful career as bowler, he remained No.1 in ODI, T20 formats and also remains successful in test matches as well. After clearing the ban in 2015, he only played 2 ODI’s and a T20 match and after that he was never selected in national side again.  

Ajmal took 178 wickets in his 35 test matches and last one he played against Srilanka at Galle stadium in 2014. That time his bowling action was reported for suspect action and he was suspended as a bowler. He got 184 wickets in his 113 ODI matches and got 85 wickets in 64 twenty20 matches. He wished to end his career against any international side but all he played in the end was in the semifinal of National T20 against the Lahore blues.

Saeed Ajmal remained economical in his last game of his career against Lahore whites and gave away only 13 runs and claimed 1 wicket in 4 overs but the veteran failed with the bat however and bagged a golden duck.
Soon after the handshakes between the teams were over, all the players from both the teams formed a guard of honor as the legendary bowler walked off from the field for one final time. He was emotional with the gesture from the players but deserved every bit of it. He collected eight wickets in the tournament across 8 matches and was economical throughout the competition. Cricket will miss his off-spin bowling forever.