Worcestershire have announced the return of Pakistan international spinner Saeed Ajmal for the 2015 season.
Ajmal enjoyed a very successful spell in the LV= County Championship in 2014, helping Worcestershire achieve promotion to Division One, and has been re-signed for the Division One campaign.
It will be the 37-year-old’s third stint at Worcestershire, after spending a large chunk of the pre-season remodelling his action and undergoing official testing.
The International Cricket Council earlier this month gave the green light to Ajmal’s remodelled action, paving the way for him to add to the 63 County Championship wickets he took in nine games last season.
With 178 Test wickets and 183 in one-day internationals, Ajmal is arguably one of Pakistan’s best bowlers in the modern era and, of his fresh New Road deal, the off-spinner said: “I am proud to be part of Worcestershire County Cricket Club and delighted to be coming back for a third spell.
“I've had this difficult spell of my career with my action but I knew I would come through it and have had the support not only of Pakistan but also Worcestershire throughout.
“Worcestershire have all the time stood by me and I can assure them I will repay the faith they have shown in me this season.
“I would love to be with Worcestershire as long as possible so I can help the club achieve their high goals and also help establish them in Division One.”
Ajmal’s trials in the off-season meant he was unable to work towards a World Cup spot with Pakistan, who are currently struggling in the tournament with two defeats in as many games.
Nevertheless, he is expected to be part of Pakistan’s plans later in the year, which potentially includes a series against Bangladesh, though it could impact upon the time he spends playing for Worcestershire.
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “We are obviously waiting to hear as to what is going to happen regarding the Bangladesh-Pakistan series - if it goes ahead or not.
“That will determine how much cricket we see from Saeed this year, but the good thing is we know for definite he will be available for the second half of the season.
“He has made a tremendous impact. He is a real quality performer as all our members and supporters know.”
Delighted @REALsaeedajmal will join us again. Loved and respected all over the world, no more so than at @WorcsCCCpic.twitter.com/JKak8cYaNJ
— Jack Shantry (@JackShantry) February 24, 2015