DHAKA: Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq will help countryman Saeed Ajmal to correct his bowling action which led to his suspension from international cricket.
Saqlain, 37, invented the “doosra”, a delivery which turns away from the batsman as opposed to conventional off-spin, tribune.com.pk published the report.
It is widely believed that bowlers who bowl the doosra bend their arm more than the allowed 15 degree, though Saqlain himself was not accused of chucking during his career, according to the report.
“We are in contact with Saqlain and are in the process of negotiating the contract with him to help Ajmal on his action,” said a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson.
Saqlain, who took 208 Test and 288 one-day wickets in an illustrious career that included a long stint at Surrey, confirmed he would help.
“Yes, I am ready to help and I am in contact to work out modalities of my travel to Pakistan,” Saqlain told media from London.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Tuesday said Ajmal would be suspended from international cricket after a biomechanical analysis of his action in Brisbane found his bowling arm flex was more than the 15 degrees allowed.
His action was reported during Galle last month’s Test against Sri Lanka.
The PCB initially said it would appeal against the suspension but later changed its stance and asked its committee on illegal bowling action to assess the report.
BDST: 0016 HRS, SEP 12, 2014