Ajmal has no hernia, fit to play

Pakistan Cricket Board doctors have said Saeed Ajmal is "fully fit" and not suffering from a hernia, as initially feared. Ajmal had been suffering from pain in his lower abdomen, suspecting he had a hernia, but a recent assessment by the PCB's panel of doctors have cleared him. The panel had suggested he meet with a sports hernia specialist in either England or Australia to get further clarification.

"As far as his hernia is concerned, doctors have ruled out this possibility after consulting his reports," a PCB spokesman told ESPNcricinfo. "He is resting at the moment and is fully fit to play any upcoming series."

Ajmal, 35, has been suffering from mild pain in his lower abdomen for the last two months and was suspected to have sustained a hernia. After the South Africa tour, he was unavailable for almost the entirety of the Faysal Bank Super Eight T20 Cup. He featured in the final against Sialkot Stallions, after doctors had cleared him to play.Pakistan's next major assignment is the ICC Champions Trophy in England in June, with a few ODIs scheduled prior in Scotland and Ireland. Ajmal however, in any case, is available for selection.The PCB's doctors have been criticised for their handling of player fitness and injury issues. Last year, before the India tour, Harris Sohail twisted his ankle during a training camp at Gaddafi Stadium, but after an initial assessment, was cleared to travel with the team. He returned without playing any match on the India tour, but was retained for the South Africa Test series, where he redeveloped a strain in his ankle, and was subsequently sent home without playing.