Having been at the receiving end of chucking accusations during his playing days, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar advised Saeed Ajmal to legally challenge the new protocol of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on bowling actions.
"I just fear that the Pakistan Cricket Board does not leave Ajmal alone at this testing time for him and Pakistan cricket. I think Saeed has to decide for himself whether should legally challenge the ban and new protocols or not," Akhtar told Geo News on Tuesday.
- Suspect bowling: Action-Reaction
The former pacer, who himself faced problems with his bowling action in his career and was twice reported for his action and cleared, said if he had been in Ajmal's place he would take the legal route.
"I think legal action is the best option for Saeed at this time. I am surprised at the number of bowlers being reported for suspect actions all of a sudden by the ICC match officials. This new protocol needs to be challenged," he added.
Shoaib said another option is that if Saeed works hard on his bowling action it could be modified for good effect.
"I was fortunate that when I was playing the board supported me a lot, particularly former chairman Tauqir Zia and the same is needed for Saeed."
Pakistan's former captain Muhammad Yousuf said that Saeed's future depends on how strongly the PCB pleaded his case with the ICC.
"It will all boil down to how much influence the PCB has in the ICC," he added.
He said the ban on Saeed is a big blow to Pakistan cricket as he had been their top bowler in all formats.
"It is a hard time for Saeed but I hope the PCB fights his case properly and if hard work is done his action can be corrected with the right measures," he said.
Saqlain offers Ajmal help
Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq came out in support of Ajmal and said he is ready to help the troubled off-spinner and get his career back on track.
"I will help and support saeed ajmal to the best of my ability if required," Saqlain wrote on Twitter.
Ajmal's team mate and fast bowler Umar Gul also expressed his solidarity with his colleague and wished that he would soon be back in Pakistan colours.
"Wish @REALsaeedajmal can modify his bowling action n get back with a bang. biggest asset of Pakistan cricke. all prayers wd (sic) him," Gul wrote on Twitter.
However, South Africa's young opener Quinton de Kock made a tongue-in-cheek remark on the social networking site about the decision on Ajmal.
"Whether he chucks it or not, I'd like to see someone chuck it better than he does #SaeedAjmal" De Kock commented.
Incidentally, Ajmal has taken the highest number of wickets in international cricket across all formats in the past three years.
While it was 89 wickets in 2011, it rose to 95 in 2012 and was a whopping 111 last year.
