Mushtaq urges Ajmal to focus on game rather than on bowling action debate

India Gazette (ANI) Thursday 9th February, 2012

Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has urged Saaed Ajmal to ignore criticism of his bowling action and focus on destroying the opposition.

"Ajmal's bowling action has been cleared by the ICC. This is the bottom line and Ajmal should keep this fact in mind all the time," The Express Tribune quoted Mushtaq, as saying.

"He must ignore discussions about his bowling action. A continuous discussion on it will affect his rhythm because he'll be thinking about it all the time. The players should only focus on the game when giving statements, rather that going into technicalities," he added.

He was responding to Ajmal's earlier comment that appeared to confirm a special permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC) permission to straighten his arm beyond the allowed 15 degrees.

Ajmal reportedly said that he enjoys straightening his elbow up to 23.5 degrees.

His comment sparked initial confusion, which was clarified by the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later.

Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has said the new debate on Ajmal's bowling action was a conspiracy against the Pakistan team.

"Ajmal was trapped by the journalist and because he hasn't got a command of English, he fell in the trap. This was a clever ploy following Pakistan's thumping whitewash in the Test series," Ashraf said.(ANI)