PCB backtracks on Ajmal test

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The Pakistan Cricket Board has backtracked on a request to the International Cricket Council to have biomechanic testing done on suspended bowler Saeed Ajmal as they need more time.

The off-spinner, who has been working on his action in the UK with former Pakistan player Saqlain Mustaq, had hoped to be tested in the coming days but a PCB official has confirmed that they need more time.

The official said: "But now on the advice of Saqlain Mushtaq who is working on his action in the United Kingdom we have requested the ICC to put on hold our request until we are certain Saeed is ready for the official test again."

He added: "Saqlain has informed us that while Saeed has shown overall improvement in his corrected bowling action but there is still work to be done on his doosra delivery."

The PCB would like to get Ajmal back to Pakistan to play in a few First-class games and have their own committee assess him before they decide what the next step would be.

The PCB official continued: "Saeed himself is very confident he can pass the ICC test but we don't want to take any chances and it would be better if he now plays a few domestic games before he can be sent for the ICC official test."

Ajmal now only has a slim chance of being able to feature for Pakistan in the World Cup which gets underway in mid-February as the final squad has to be submitted early next year.

Another official said: "It doesn't appear that way because now it seems there is still more work to be done on his action and that requires more time.

"We have included him in the World Cup probable squad of 30 players but we have to finalise the 15 member squad by January 7."

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