Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) on Monday announced a two-step promotion for beleaguered off-spin maestro Saeed Ajmal.
Ajmal, currently facing a suspension from international cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over an illegal bowling action, has been promoted as senior vice-president at ZTBL.
Earlier, Ajmal was serving the bank as assistant vice-president. However, the bank, in recognition of his services for the country, has promoted him as senior vice-president.
“According to the bank rules, assistant vice-president is supposed to be promoted to vice-president, but as a special case, ZTBL president Syed Talat Mehmood granted a two-step promotion to the legendary spinner,” Mohammad Yasin, a spokesman of ZTBL, told Dawn.
Regarding Ajmal as an asset for Pakistan cricket, the spokesman said that at this critical time when the player was facing the ICC ban the bank decision on the bowler’s promotion would boost his morale.
“ZTBL has re-designated Saeed Ajmal as senior vice-president on the basis of his excellent performance at international and national level. His contribution towards promoting cricket in the country has also been remarkable, including the establishment of a cricket academy in Faisalabad,” said a statement issued by ZTBL.
Meanwhile, batting legend and former captain Javed Miandad hailed ZTBL decision to promote Ajmal, saying all other departments should follow the bank’s player-friendly policy.
“Departments should give incentive to their players.. this is a good trend,” Miandad said while talking to Dawn. “I am very happy to know that Ajmal has been given promotion at a time when he is facing an uncertain situation due to the ICC suspension on him.”
While designating Ajmal as a vital player for Pakistan cricket, Miandad said: “I’m in touch with Ajmal. Two days ago I gave him some important tips [for correcting his bowling action]. I hope Ajmal will soon return to international cricket.”
