There was a time when he was regarded as the best spinner in the world. But now he’s almost out of the sight. The last few months have not been very good for Saeed Ajmal. He was banned from bowling in international cricket after assessment found his bowling action to be illegal. He was forced to modify his bowling action before getting himself cleared, but since then he has been struggling to have much impact. He might not be the same Saeed Ajmal he used to be with his previous bowling action, but he hasn’t lost faith in his ability.

In a recent conversation with The News on Sunday, Ajmal spoke about his struggle, his hard work and hopes for staging a comeback. Following are the excerpts:

The News on Sunday: What are you doing these days?

Saeed Ajmal: I’ve been practising continuously, played some county matches recently and am now preparing myself for Bangladesh Premier League. I am also working on my varieties. Insha Allah, my fans will see me back in action very soon!

TNS: Are you feeling dejected after being dropped from the team?

SA: I never give up. If I had to give up, I would have done that after 2010 World T20, which was a nightmare for me. But I didn’t let it kill my eagerness to perform better and better. I was blamed for chucking, my action was questioned, but I didn’t give up. Instead, I worked harder and got myself clear. I am working hard to make myself noticed once again. These ups and downs are part of life. The current situation is a challenge for me and I’ve accepted this challenge. Insha Allah, I’ll be back.

TNS: Do you think your bowling was affected due to the modification in your bowling action? Many people believe that Saeed Ajmal is now past. What do you say?

SA: It is very easy to write-off anyone. I am working hard, working on my varieties and I will be back soon. I am settling with my new bowling action and I am sure I’ll be out of the current phase soon. You need to be patient when you make some change in yourself to adjust with the new style. I’ve faith in my ability and I know that I can be the same Saeed Ajmal once again.

TNS: In a recent statement you criticised ICC and questioned protocols for targeting bowlers. What prompted you to do that?

SA: Someday, someone had to say. I feel that only Pakistani bowlers are being targeted. I was only the first victim. That’s why I chose to speak against the existing policy. I am angry and unhappy with whatever is happening and wanted to express my feelings, wanted the world to know how one feels when one is isolated.

TNS: How many bowlers do you think are still bowling with suspect bowling action and have not been reported?

SA: There are many. I don’t want to name anyone, don’t want any further controversy, but there are bowlers from South Africa, bowlers from India and also from Sri Lanka who have questionable bowling action. If you ask me to compile a list, I can mention 12 to 15 bowlers who are still bowling with a suspect bowling action. It is up to the ICC to report and check them. There are some fast bowlers as well whose bowling action should be assessed.

TNS: Many feel that this is happening because of "Doosra". Do you think it is an attempt to curb Doosra which is frequently used by off-spinners?

SA: I don’t think so. Hafeez never bowled that variety, but he too has been stopped from bowling in international cricket. There are bowlers who don’t bowl Doosra but they have been reported. But this much is true that off-spinners are being targeted. I find no reason behind this. Why is the ICC after off-spinners! ICC should treat all bowlers and from all countries equally. If a uniform protocol is adopted then I am sure there are many bowlers who’ll face the axe, for sure.

TNS: Initially you were allowed on medical grounds to continue with your original bowling action. There were bowlers before you as well. Do you think you deserve another chance on medical grounds?

SA: I don’t know why ICC has removed this exemption of medical reasons for bowlers. I didn’t know this before. I only realized this when I appeared for assessment last year. I would love to know why ICC has decided against allowing bowlers who have some medical reasons to continue bowling in international Cricket. I’ve asked them many times but neither the ICC nor the PCB has replied to me.

TNS: Do you intend to go to Court of Arbitration for Sports against the existing system?

SA: I have my genuine medical problems. I feel that players with genuine medical reasons shouldn’t be forced to go against their natural restrictions. I am currently contracted with PCB so I hope PCB will pick up my case. So right now I am not in a position to do anything without PCB’s support.

TNS: What is the status of the Saeed Ajmal Academy in Faisalabad?

SA: Well, it’s currently not operational. I was forced to shut it down after APS attack in Peshawar when SACA and other academies were closed down in different parts of the country. All the schools, universities, and other institutions were reopened in a few days, but I was never allowed to resume the operations of Saeed Ajmal Cricket Academy. I don’t know why, but I’ve recently received a notice from local administration asking me to vacate the land where I invested 60 million rupees for the better future of Pakistan. I request CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif to take notice of this and allow me to run the academy.