Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has played down doubts about his bowling action after some former Test players and commentators questioned its legality.

The 33-year-old has had his bowling action rigorously tested by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and has been cleared to continue playing.

"They can say what they want but the ICC has cleared our actions and of course umpires and referees are there too," Ajmal told Pak Passion. "It is within the rules."

Ajmal also backed South African Johan Botha and India Harbhajan Singh, who have both had their bowling actions scrutinised in recent years.

"Harbhajan and Botha have had their actions queried in the past and are still bowling. I really don't know why they keep targeting us."

Ajmal has taken 50 wickets in eleven Test match appearances for Pakistan.