Saeed Ajmal what really happens with his action
- Ajmal was Man of the Series against England after taking 24 wickets in the three-Test series and playing a prominent role in Pakistan’s first Test whitewash against England.
- Ajmal caused confusion when he gave a TV interview following the series and appeared to indicate he had been given dispensation by the ICC to bowl above the 15-degree tolerance limit.
- Countless fans have contacted ESPNcricinfo through social networking sites and by email asking us to clarify the situation regarding Ajmal. After a thorough investigation, including extensive discussion with the ICC, these are the facts.
- Ajmal’s action is well within the ICC range of tolerance. While he does bowl with a bend in his arm, it does not straighten more, on average, than about eight degrees.
- His arm does come through at a bent angle but that is allowed so long as it doesn’t straighten beyond the tolerance level.
- The figure of 23.5 degrees mentioned by Ajmal is the average angle of his arm at the beginning of delivery.
- The ICC put Ajmal, along with other bowlers, under constant scrutiny and evidence suggests that there has been no significant deterioration in Ajmal’s action since he was tested in 2009.
- Contrary to widespread belief, Ajmal’s off-break and quicker ball actually cause his arm to straighten more – though only a fraction more – than his much-debated doosra.
- The ICC is reluctant to discuss bowling actions in detail because officials fear the subject is too complicated to explain.