Misbah-ul-Haq has admitted that Saeed Ajmal could yet feature in the World Cup, but cautioned against rushing him back into the side.
Ajmal was given permission to resume bowling in international cricket on Saturday after the ICC cleared his remodeled action, but can only be drafted into the Pakistan squad if an existing player suffers an injury. Misbah, however, admitted there were some fitness concerns within the camp.
Mohammad Hafeez, who is currently suspended from bowling and unable to undergo testing due to a foot problem, is the most obvious injury worry. With Pakistan due to play India on February 15, time would appear to be running out for him.
Pakistan have already been forced to replace Junaid Khan, who had a thigh injury, with Rahat Ali. But that injury came a few days before Ajmal was cleared to resume bowling and, while Misbah admitted that consideration had been given to waiting on naming a replacement to see if Ajmal was available, he said concerns remained over the offspinner’s lack of competitive cricket in recent months.
“We want Hafeez to play a major part of the World Cup,” Misbah said. “But if he suggests that is not possible we have to take any step. It is totally up to the medical panel and the physio. Let’s see in the next two or three days.
Ajmal was given permission to resume bowling in international cricket on Saturday after the ICC cleared his remodeled action, but can only be drafted into the Pakistan squad if an existing player suffers an injury. Misbah, however, admitted there were some fitness concerns within the camp.
Mohammad Hafeez, who is currently suspended from bowling and unable to undergo testing due to a foot problem, is the most obvious injury worry. With Pakistan due to play India on February 15, time would appear to be running out for him.
Pakistan have already been forced to replace Junaid Khan, who had a thigh injury, with Rahat Ali. But that injury came a few days before Ajmal was cleared to resume bowling and, while Misbah admitted that consideration had been given to waiting on naming a replacement to see if Ajmal was available, he said concerns remained over the offspinner’s lack of competitive cricket in recent months.
“We want Hafeez to play a major part of the World Cup,” Misbah said. “But if he suggests that is not possible we have to take any step. It is totally up to the medical panel and the physio. Let’s see in the next two or three days.
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