Saeed Ajmal signs for Adelaide Strikers in BBL

KARACHI: Adelaide Strikers have signed Pakistan’s star spinner Saeed Ajmal for this year’s edition of Australia’s Big Bash Twenty20 league.

Ajmal, who is currently ranked as the number one bowler in T20 and ODI cricket, will play in the first match against Perth Scorchers in place of West Indies’ Kieron Pollard who is unavailable due to international commitments.

He could return for the Strikers later, depending on his availability. Ajmal said he was looking forward to playing in the BBL and hoped to give it his best shot.

“I am really excited about playing for the Adelaide Strikers and really happy that I will get the chance to show my talent in the BBL,” Ajmal said.

“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.”

Ajmal is the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 internationals, with 69 from 48 matches.

Ajmal’s inclusion in the squad was a great boost to the Strikers, their coach Darren Berry said.

“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,” Berry said.

Tim Ludeman and Cameron Boyce have also signed for the Strikers.

Pakistan’s Umar Akmal is also expected to play in the first three matches for reigning BBL champions Sydney Sixers after they recently signed him while Shahid Afridi plays for Sydney Thunder.

However, the Pakistani trio’s participation in the Big Bash will be interrupted by their country’s hotly-anticipated limited-overs tour to India.