Without Ajmal and Hafeez, Pakistan Will Struggle

Pakistan’s success has largely depended on their bowlers, with the team producing bowlers of good calibre since the late 1980’s. Although the bowling stocks have remained constant, their reliance on Saeed Ajmal over the past few years and his subsequent decision not to participate at the World Cup has left the team in a crisis.

The team has just been paralysed as along with Ajmal, Hafeez has also been suspended from bowling in international cricket. This is a major setback for the team as Ajmal has been their premier bowler over a number of years and Hafeez’ ability to bowl tight spells during the field restrictions has been invaluable. Regardless of the conditions, these two bowlers invariably provide the major breakthroughs for the team.

Pakistan’s bowling consultant Mushtaq Ahmad said, “It’s very difficult to make a combination without Ajmal. He is our premier bowler and he’s our legend.” Yet, he was hopeful about his team’s chances and said that teams don’t win because of individuals.

The veteran leg spinner, who was part of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup squad said that Afridi and Yasir Shah could very well be the wicket takers for them on the bouncy tracks of Australia.

Ajmal knows very well that Pakistan’s bowling line-up is going to be tested in the upcoming World Cup. The seasoned campaigner tipped Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and India to be in the semi-finals. “Pakistan’s bowling is not strong for this tournament”, he said. With Ajmal’s absence and Hafeez’ unavailability as a bowler, middle-order batsman Haris Sohail may have to chip in with a few overs of his left-arm spin.

Resources do seem strained though, and it may take a strong showing from the batsmen to help Pakistan produce the right results this time.