HOT NOW!! Ajmal eyes comeback amidst farewell rumours

Saeed Ajmal, the Pakistan off spinner, has refused to quit international cricket in the wake of some farewell rumours that started doing the rounds following the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi's tweet. Sethi, on Saturday (September 17), responded to a fan's query on the social networking site, stating that the board would look to give 'fitting sendoffs' to the likes of Ajmal and Shahid Afridi. He also revealed that he would hold discussions with the duo soon in order to take a call.

Ajmal though, who hasn't played for Pakistan in the last one and a half years, is determined to fight to reclaim his spot. After emerging as the highest wicket-taker in the recently held National Twenty20 cup for Karachi Blues with 20 scalps, Ajmal has now requested for one more opportunity in national colours to prove his worth and has suggested that he would quit on his own terms if he fails to grasp it.

"I have no intention to quit one-day or Twenty20 cricket at the moment," Ajmal told Dawn. "I have worked really hard to stage a comeback and my performance in the National T20 Cup reflects that. I have proved my fitness in the National T20 Cup. I should be given a chance. If I fail to perform, I will walk away myself. The Board doesn't have a decent off-spinner in its entire domestic structure."

Ajmal also managed a stunning economy rate of just 6.28 in the entire tournament and played a major role in his side winning the title, suggesting with performances that he might be back to his best. The board didn't offer him a contract for the 2016-17 season after he lost his spot in the squad following his comeback to international cricket with a remodelled action.

The 38-year-old is keen to keep playing domestic cricket and has asked the board to take a cue from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and give him another go. "I have proved my form and fitness," he said. "I am not quitting and will keep on playing domestic cricket. I have played a key role in so many victories; the board should give me a chance like the West Indies are giving to Sunil Narine."