Ajmal has once again been overlooked by Pakistani selectors ahead Mohammed Hafeez pulled out through injury.
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Pakistan is set to leave star bowler Saeed Ajmal out of its World Cup squad despite the off-spinner’s action being cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
An injury to Mohammad Hafeez opened the door for Ajmal to return, but Pakistan selectors have instead called up Nasir Jamshed for the tournament which begins on Friday (GMT).
Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi told reporters that Ajmal’s new bowling action may not be as effective.
“I think with the new bowling action, you can’t say how effective he is,” Afridi is quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.
“He’s clear now, but you don’t know how effective he will be.
“Maybe he will play a domestic season and then we’ll see where he’s standing.”
Pakistan captain Misbah ul-Haq also poured cold water on a surprise Ajmal comeback, saying his lack of cricket in the lead in to the tournament will work against him.
“You never know, there are a lot of ifs and buts,” ul-Haq is quoted as saying by the Pakistan Business Recorder.
“The main concern is that he hasn’t played any cricket yet, let’s see how it goes in the next week because the team is already announced and everybody is here so I can’t just say anything about that.”
Pakistan opens their World Cup campaign against India in Adelaide on Sunday.
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