Ajmal vows to prepare replacement before retirement from cricket

Karachi, Apr 16(ANI): Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has said that he will ensure that there is no vacuum left following his retirement and added he was confident of playing till the 2015 World Cup.

"I hope by the time I am ready to walk out, another Ajmal would be ready to take my place. It's my responsibility to do so. Pakistan has very talented players and there is no dearth of spin bowlers. There are a lot of good spinners. (Abdur) Rehman is playing and Raza Hasan is a talented boy heading in the right direction," The Nation quoted Ajmal, as saying.

He made his Test debut at the age of 31, but has quickly established a reputation as one of the best spinners in world cricket, having taken 107 wickets in 20 Tests.

"Age definitely plays a role but I have no regret for being late into international cricket. It's also a matter of fitness that can extend a player's life. I am optimistic that I can play at least till the 2015 World Cup," he added.

Ajmal hopes that he has inspired youngsters to take up spin bowling.

"A lot of bowlers around the world are so much keen about the doosra and I love to help. Being a quality spin bowler is tough and it takes time to obtain results. You need to be very patient. A spin bowler normally does not inspire kids as compared to a fast bowler who creates an instant impact with the youngsters who want to play cricket. But I think I have inspired a lot of youngsters to play the game," he added. (ANI)