Saeed Ajmal signs for The Titans for Ram Slam T20 Challenge

In a major coup for the Easterns Titans franchise, the Titans announced that they have acquired the services of world-class off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for the domestic Ram Slam T20 Challenge in January and February 2014.

Saeed Ajmal (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ajmal was up-beat about the prospect of joining The Titans. “I look forward to representing one of the top franchise teams in South Africa”, he said. “They have a few world-class players in their ranks and I look forward to adding value to the team.”

The Pakistani off-spinner is the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked bowler respectively on the ICC world rankings in ODI and T20 cricket. Arguably the best slow bowler in the world in all three formats, he is able to spin a web of destruction around most batsmen. His command of a vast array of different deliveries has caused havoc in the batting order of major teams.

In 2012, he captured 24 wickets in the Test series against England and led the Pakistani clean-sweep of the series as the No. 1 ranked team in the world at that time wilted under the pressure. The 36-year old Ajmal will join a galaxy of super stars at The Titans as several South African players such as AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Morné Morkel and Albie Morkel are set to be available for the greatest part of the Ram Slam Challenge starting on the 5 January.

“It is with great excitement that we welcome Saeed to The Unlimited Titans family. To have the leading wicket taker in international T20 cricket as part of our squad will undoubtedly strengthen an already exciting group of cricketers,” said Rob Walter, The Titans coach. “Our national cricketers have experienced first-hand how devastating he can be in all formats of the game and so we look forward to having him on our side for this season’s Ram Slam Challenge”.

Henry Davids, captain of The Unlimited Titans, said,:“It’s an absolute pleasure having the best T20 bowler in the world available for the team in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge.

“I know he is going to be great for us as a franchise and for the younger players in our squad. He’ll definitely help us to be a real force in the competition in January.”