Fans bid heavy-hearted farewell to retiring Saeed Ajmal

Pakistan’s magical off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has announced on Monday his retirement from all forms of cricket, two years after losing his wicket-taking bite with a remodeled bowling action that was twice deemed illegal.

Ajmal, the spin wizard who played the game with steel and a smile, will be missed as crickets and fans bid an emotional farewell to the 40-year-old.

The cricketer said that the ongoing National T20 Cup in Rawalpindi will be his last event as a player. “This national event is my last tournament and I don’t want to be a burden on any team,” said Ajmal, quoted Wisden India.

Ajmal made his international debut for Pakistan in 2008 and went on to pick 447 wickets in all formats of the game. The Faislabad born is known for his bowling display against the England series in UAE back in 2012 where he took 24-wickets, giving Pakistan a famous win over the then number one side.

Here is how fans and cricketers reacted over Ajmal’s retirement:

Saeed Ajmal has announced retirement. He was the reason Pak beat Eng 3-0. Played a vital role in winning WT20, Asia Cup and making Pakistan first Asian side to win an ODI series in South Africa. Also a very honest man.

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 13, 2017

Thank you for the memories @REALsaeedajmal, the Doosra, the Teesra, the Off-spinner, the never-say-die attitude with an ever present smile. We will always remember you! Stay strong and all the very best in your coaching career. pic.twitter.com/YjJz4OHGoW

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2017

I want to say a huge congratulations to @REALsaeedajmal on what has been truly a great career! You have been a true great of the game & Magnificent ambassador for Pakistan 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Can’t wait to work with you at @IsbUnited !!

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) November 13, 2017

Goodbye Saeed Ajmal and wish you well for a life beyond playing cricket. Loved watching you play because, forget talk of the action for now, you played with a smile.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 13, 2017

The ICC rules have spoiled our magician @REALsaeedajmal imagine where would he be standing if didn’t remodel his bowling action

— Fazeela Saba (@FazeelaSaba1) November 13, 2017

Saeed Ajmal announces retirement, a sad end to a very successful career. He played a major role in every success that Pakistan had from 2009 to 2014. Thank You for all the memories, champion cricketer & an even better human being. pic.twitter.com/r7fMbxfAH3

— Osama. (@ashaqeens) November 13, 2017

Saeed Ajmal's sense of humour is as Faisalabadi as it gets. Talking to him was always fun. Of all the interviews I have done, this one was the best. pic.twitter.com/grCYdLeHYN

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 13, 2017

The most entertaining & full of life @REALsaeedajmal a real champ! Matchwinner & team man,congratulations to him on a fantastic career,deseves the best farewell.

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) November 13, 2017

There won't be many more batsmen getting doosra-ed by Saeed Ajmal. https://t.co/6rNqnH9Iof

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) November 13, 2017

Saeed Ajmal decide to announce retirement from all forms of Cricket. Will honor commitment for this season.

— Abdul Ghaffar (@GhaffarDawnNews) November 13, 2017

#history will remember you as magical bowler of all times @REALsaeedajmal pic.twitter.com/4kvcGxI23n

— 💝Engr Aftab🏌🌍 (@AftabRaheem3) November 14, 2017