Saeed Ajmal still questions why Sachin Tendulkar wasn't given out in the 2011 WC Semis

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal, who retired from competitive cricket recently, fails to understand one incident that dates back to 2011. The 40-year-old can’t understand why Sachin Tendulkar was given not out by the umpire even though the ball found his pads during the semi-finals between India-Pakistan in the 2011 world cup. Tendulkar scored 85 in that game and was offered many lives during his stay at the crease.

It was Ajmal, who finally got the Indian top-scorer out. But he feels that Tendulkar should have been given out on one instance. The Indian batter struggled at times to read his variations. Ajmal said that playing against India always pumped him up.

“I was totally convinced I had him in front of the stumps but how the umpires didn’t give him out I still can’t understand,” Ajmal said. “It was always a test of skills and nerves when bowling to Tendulkar and company.” The spinner finished with 178 wickets from 35 Tests. He was once in the spotlight for his wicket-taking ability but after being reported for his bowling action during an ODI against Australia, Ajmal never managed to get it right.

Ajmal takes a dig at ICC

His action was reported for the second time during a Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, and Ajmal could never make a successful comeback with a remodelled bowling action. “I am retiring today and at 40 years of age I thought it is now time for me to make way for younger players. I got this feeling I was being considered extra baggage even in domestic teams and I didn’t want to go out losing my respect,” Ajmal said.

“I am retiring with a heavy heart because firstly I think the ICC’s protocol is too harsh and if all bowlers today playing international cricket are tested I am sure at least 90 percent will fail to clear this protocol,” Ajmal said.