I always said one can’t relax,” Ajmal said.
“People forget the good and make the bad part our defining feature. There are ups and downs in cricket and you can’t deny the fact every day is a new day and you can’t be taking five or ten wickets in every match. We are human and its natural to have good days and bad days.
“Regardless of being reported, there were odds that I might have faced a dip in form, could have struggled taking wickets with previous action as well and then what? Actually it’s not really a case that I am not effective, it’s a matter of form and confidence that I just need to hit and I have started to get flow.
“I know I am not able to get wickets in four-day cricket maybe because the pitches [in England] are green, soft and it rains a lot but at the same time I am still a better limited-overs bowler and taking wickets in the shorter format. I was assured that I will be considered and won’t be discarded. I also understand that Yasir and Zulfi are doing very well and I don’t want to dislodge their place but I think there is some room for me in limited-overs cricket and I will prove that in the T20 cup in Pakistan.”
Rasheed acknowledged Ajmal’s persistence and said he was ready to assess him. He said the doors were never shut on any player, including Ajmal, but there was a yardstick in place by which he would be judged.
“I understand Ajmal has been a No 1 bowler and has been a great servant for Pakistan cricket and we never wanted to discard him. But we want an effective Ajmal and we are always open for any discussion with him.”
Ajmal, who will turn 38 next month, will be playing for Faisalabad Region under Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq. He will have at least five group matches to impress the selectors — who will be monitor the performances of the players for the upcoming Zimbabwe series starting from September 27.
“We are not asking him to retire or stay away but he needs to realise the situation realistically where he stands and what is the requirement,” Rasheed said.
“We have created such an environment for anyone to come to us and discuss with us about anything. But at the same time he has a opportunity to play in the T20 cup next week and there we will consider his performance.”