Discarded off-spinner Saeed Ajmal says he deserves another chance in international cricket

Discarded Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has called on the national selectors to reward him for his performances in domestic cricket by selecting him for the national squad once again. Ajmal has been in fine form in the domestic set-up.

Ajmal, 39, has dismissed rumours of retirement claiming that representing Pakistan is what he wants to do.

"No matter what anyone says, no matter what anyone thinks. I have confidence in my own abilities and I know I deserve another shot at international cricket. I don't know what more to do I was the top wicket-taker in the English T20 event and in the national T20 championship held recently. I am bowling well in domestic cricket, the selectors need to acknowledge my efforts," Ajmal said, as quoted by the Press Trust of India.

Ajmal at one time was Pakistan's biggest strike bowler and has a splendid record in international cricket. The off-spinner has played 35 Test matches, 113 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 64 Twenty20 Internationals taking 178, 184 and 85 wickets respectively. He was also ranked the number one bowler before the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned him due to an illegal action in 2014.

Ajmal did play Bangladesh on return to cricket in 2015 but struggled to make an impression. Since then he has not played for the country with the selectors opting to give Yasir Shah a chance to establish himself as Pakistan's main spinner.

"I want to go out wearing the Pakistan colours because I don't want to disappoint my fans and supporters who have always encouraged me. I just want to be given a chance to prove myself again. If I can't deliver I wouldn't complain again."

Pakistan are currently hosting the West Indies in the United Arab Emirates with the second Test match underway at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.