Islamabad // Pakistan’s discarded off-spinner Saaed Ajmal says he is hopeful of proving his form in a forthcoming domestic league as he targets a return to national colours in the World Twenty20 this March.
The 38 year old, whose accuracy and deceptive doosra helped drive his team to victory in the 2009 edition, has struggled to make an impact since coming back last February from a five-month ban for chucking.
He took just one wicket in two ODIs when he last played, against Bangladesh, in April, and a paltry 16 wickets at 55 apiece for his English county side Worcestershire.
But speaking on the sidelines of a launch event for Islamabad United, one of five teams taking part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to be held in the UAE this month, Ajmal said he had worked on technical flaws and rediscovered his old menace.
“I’ve gotten a good platform and working on my goals. You are going to see the Saeed Ajmal of old,” he said.
“The World Cup is after this and I want to perform well and make myself available for the team.”
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Ajmal, who was picked as a last minute ‘supplementary player’ by the capital’s team, pointed to better showings in Bangladesh’s T20 league last November as proof the magic had not deserted him.
Before being suspended in September 2014 for exceeding the 15-degree elbow flex limit set by the International Cricket Council, Ajmal was ranked the world’s number one bowler in ODIs and was almost as impressive in Tests. He famously captured 24 wickets in three Tests against England in 2012.
“When I made my comeback against Bangladesh I was lacking match practice,” he said. “I needed some time. Now I’ve had some time and I’ve been able to work on myself. I’ve got my variation back and you will see the results in the PSL.
“There were several issues. My arm was falling off too much to the side and I’ve worked on that and straightened it up. I’ve worked on my main ball and my doosra as well as my arm ball.
“The variation I got from the revolutions I’d put on the ball in the air -- I’ve got that back and you’re going to enjoy watching it.”
Despite his optimism, it is unclear how much opportunity Ajmal will get to play as he competes for a place against teammate Samuel Badree, the West Indian leg spinner who is currently the world’s number one Twenty20 bowler.
But with Pakistan’s favoured slow bowler, leg spinner Yasir Shah, currently suspended for a doping offence, the door could remain ajar for an improbable comeback.
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Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
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The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
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Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
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