India’s recent historic ninth Asia Cup victory has not only captured cricket headlines but also sparked a significant discussion in neighboring Pakistan. Following India’s impressive five-wicket win against Pakistan in the 2025 final held in Dubai, an older interview clip featuring former Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal began circulating widely on social media, stirring strong reactions among fans and the wider cricket community.
In the resurfaced 2023 podcast with Nadir Ali, Ajmal recounted a disheartening experience from 2009. He revealed that after Pakistan’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, the then-Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani had publicly promised each member of the winning squad a significant reward: cheques worth PKR 25 lakh. However, what should have been a moment of celebration turned into disappointment when these government-issued cheques reportedly bounced.
Ajmal expressed his disbelief in the podcast, stating, “I was shocked that even a government cheque could bounce. We were told the PCB chief would handle it, but they also refused, saying it was the government’s promise. In the end, the only money we got was from the ICC.” This incident paints a clear picture of the broken promises and lack of support experienced by the players.
The timing of Ajmal’s comments, appearing right after India’s Asia Cup glory, has intensified comparisons between how the two nation’s cricket boards treat their athletes. While Pakistani players faced unfulfilled promises, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly announced a substantial cash prize of Rs 21 crore for the victorious Indian squad immediately after their Sunday triumph, highlighting a stark difference in recognition and reward systems.
Saeed Ajmal, a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket who claimed 12 wickets during their 2009 T20 World Cup victory, saw his career conclude in 2015 after an ICC suspension related to his bowling action. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges some players face beyond the pitch.