Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has revealed that he expects to be given the all-clear to return to bowling in international cricket soon.

The 37-year-old was suspended in September after the International Cricket Council confirmed that tests had shown his action was not within the 15-degree limit for elbow extension.

Three unofficial tests showed his regular ball and faster delivery were legal, but his doosra was still deemed to be illegal, and he was forced to pull out of Pakistan's plans for the World Cup.

"I felt those who tested me were happy with my action," Ajmal, who underwent official ICC testing in Chennai on the weekend, told The Hindu. "I am hopeful, but ultimately the decision rests with them.

"I want to be a frontline bowler, the number one bowler in the side. I don't want to make up numbers. I would rather retire than do that.

"If I had just wanted to bowl the offspinner, I could have got my action cleared in two weeks. But I want to retain my variety. I think my doosra is within permissible limits now."

Ajmal has taken 446 wickets across all three forms of cricket for Pakistan.