Ajmal bats for Test cricket, praises Olympic sensation Nadeem

Mohammad Abdullah, Senior Sports Reporter

Pakistan’s former spinner Saeed Ajmal urged ICC to organize more Test series to avoid the extinction of the longest and the oldest format of cricket. He voiced concern over the depleting fan base of Test matches and the falling standard of batting and bowling due to emergence of shorter formats like T20 and T10.

“I strongly support Test cricket. It is the purest form of cricket and everything should be done to save it from becoming a thing of past. I think all the nations should come up and play more Test matches,” said Ajmal, who was speaking on the sidelines of the jersey launch and the trophy unveiling of Global High School Cricket Cup held in Sharjah.

The event was also garced by former Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore  and UAE’s former cricketer and celebrated coach Shehzad Altaf.  Commenting on Pakistan’s loss against Bangladesh in the first Test, Ajmal was all praise for the visitors.

“It is not about lacking talent but who is performing well on a given day. We have to accept the fact that Bangladesh played stupendous cricket while our performance was below par in the last Test.

“I don’t think that Pakistan is a weak team but we played very poor cricket in that particular Test match due to which we had to face defeat and I give all credit to Bangladesh who were outstanding.”

Bangladesh created history by beating Pakistan for the first time in a Test match since gaining the Test status. Ajmal is in the coaching staff of Pakistan national team.

Commenting on Pakistan’s debacle at the recently-concluded T20 World Cup in the USA, Ajmal expressed his concern. Pakistan made exit in the first round of the showpiece event.

Just before the cricket extravaganza in the USA, Pakistan had changed their captain three times. They removed Babar Azam and named Shaheen Shah Afridi and again reinstated Babar to the helm.

“I don’t think our early exit from the World Cup was the outcome of the change in leadership so frequently. Both are good players and know how lead a side from the front.

“But the problem is that the team is reaching a state of transition and we don’t have back up left to replace the present lot. That is the area of concern.

“And this is where the school cricket comes into play. It plays a very crucial role in developing the player for future. It gives a country a backup for the future.

“And the Global High School Cricket Cup is one such event where aspiring players can showcase their talent and come in front row of selection for the demotic cricket.

“It is a very good initiative by the UAE that they are making a pipe line for the future. I will congratulate Altaf for giving many international cricketers to the UAE.”

Altaf’s academy YTCA has churned out many international cricketers  like former captain CP Rizwan, Rohan Mustafa and Rameez Shahzad.

Ajmal also praised Pakistan sensation and rising javelin star Arshad Nadeem for his feat at the Paris Olympics. Nadeem pipped India’s Neeraj Chopra to gold and became the first Pakistani athlete to win the top laurel in any individual sport.

He is said to be the harbinger of good times and heralded dawn of new era. His groundbreaking success changed the landscape of Pakistan’s sporting culture. For the first time in their history, any sports person other than a cricketer hogged so much limelight.

“I want to congratulate him and wish him more success in future. It is an incredible performance. I think he will become a trailblazer for other aspiring athletes, which will usher in a new age where all the sports will get equal importance,” concluded Ajmal.

Meanwhile, the launch of the GloFans High School Cup, accompanied by the trophy unveiling and award ceremony for the Global High School Cricket Cup, took place on Sunday.

This year 20 top school teams from across the globe will be participating. There will be a 6-day tournament and two matches every day and two day-night matches will be played under floodlights.

The event was a momentous occasion, bringing together cricket legends, current players, and esteemed personalities from across the cricketing world to celebrate the beginning of this prestigious tournament.

The event was a grand success, highlighted by the unveiling of the tournament’s official trophy, the launch of the theme song, and the presentation of the official t-shirt, all of which contributed to the growing excitement surrounding the upcoming competition.

World Cup veteran, legendary coach and former English cricketer, Whatmore, set the tone for the evening with the unveiling of the grand theme song.

Adding an extra layer of prestige to the occasion, Whatmore said, “It is important to nurture young talent and the school cricket players a pivotal role of school in shaping future stars.”

A highlight of the event was the engaging chat show hosted by Internationally acclaimed sports expert and founder of Sports quiz app Golfans Sunil Yash Kalra.

In a lively discussion with cricket legends, including former Pakistani off-spinner and master of Doosra Ajmal and legendary coach Whatmore, Kalra explored the significance of school cricket and its lasting impact on their careers.

The conversation also touched upon the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be held in the UAE, sparking enthusiasm among the attendees.

Former Pakistani off-spinner, who mastered Doosra better than anyone, Ajmal said, “This tournament will be a great platform to identify young talent. It will help the budding cricketers to understand the commitment and consistency required to play the sport at the highest level. It will certainly enable the young athletes to bring laurels for their country.”

The event attracted a distinguished gathering of current UAE players and former international cricketers, all expressed their support for the Global High School Cricket Cup, recognizing it as a crucial platform for inspiring and developing the next generation of cricketing talent.