Saeed Ajmal joins Adelaide Strikers
Magical Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has signed for Adelaide Strikers for the forthcoming second edition of Australian Big Bash League Twenty20, set to be run from December 7-Januruary 19.
Saeed Ajmal, the No.1 bowler in T20 and one-day rankings, will replace West Indies’ Kieron Pollard in Strikers’ opening match against Perth Scorchers on November 9. Pollard will be unavailable due to the international commitments.
Ajmal will miss the some games due to Pakistan’s tour of India but is expected to rejoin Strikers in the latter stages of the tournament. Pakistan are due to play T20s and three one-dayers against arch-rivals from December 25 to January 6.
“I am really excited about playing for the Adelaide Strikers and really happy that I will get the chance to show my talent in BBL,” said Ajmal, who is the leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 69 scalps from 48 games.
“I am very keen to meet up with the rest of the boys soon and play my best in the games that I am available, with the hope that Adelaide make the final stages and I can return to help win the competition.”
Enamored of Saeed Ajmal’s remarkable performances against England and Australia this year, Darren Berry was thrilled to add the 35-year-old to his bowling arsenal.
“We know what this guy is capable of, having seen him run through both the Australian and English batsmen a couple of months ago, so to have him on board is a great result for the Strikers,” said Berry adding the pitches at Adelaide will suit his style of bowling.
Saeed Ajmal is the third Pakistani player to have signed up for the Big Bash League this year league after all-rounder Shahid Afridi at Sydney Thunder and explosive batsman Umar Akmal for Sydney Sixers, the winners of this year’s Champions League T20. Afridi had represented Melbourne Renegades in the foundational edition of city-based competition.