Batting legend Javed Miandad said Thursday Pakistan could still win next year's World Cup even if star spinner Saeed Ajmal remained suspended due to a chucking ban. Ajmal, the world's leading one-day bowler, was suspended last week after tests found his action vastly exceeded the permitted 15 degrees of straightening. The ban has dented Pakistan's hopes of adding to its solitary World Cup win when the tournament is held in Australia and New Zealand next February to March.
"We have won the title and that's history so we can win the title again if our players play to their potential," said Miandad, who is regarded as the best batsman Pakistan has produced and played a vital role in their last World Cup triumph 22 years ago in Australia.
He stressed that the team was not all about Ajmal, who is ranked the world's best one day bowler by the International Cricket Council (ICC). "We should not depend on one player," he said of the offspinner. "Don't think of a player who is not there, and others should fulfil their responsibilities." After undertaking remedial work, Ajmal can apply to the ICC for another reassessment of his action and if cleared he can resume bowling at international level. Pakistan play their first World Cup match against defending champions India at Adelaide on February 15.
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