‘Before my debut, I was told…’ – Saeed Ajmal makes shocking revelation about Pakistan management

Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has made some shocking revelations about the Pakistan team’s management. Before finally announcing his retirement across all formats in 2017, the 40-year-old off-spinner’s career was hampered by bowling action troubles. 

Ajmal made his T20I debut in May 2008 against Australia and his ODI debut came against arch-rivals India. The Pakistan legend, earlier, commented on how former PCB chief selector Mudassar Nazar said that he would be able to face him in the nets without being dismissed.

Ajmal continued by saying that the anticipation for his debut was not ideal because he was informed that it would also be his last appearance on the international stage.

I bandaged myself, bowled three to four overs: Saeed Ajmal

“I got my first match against India. Before my debut, I was told that this would be my first and the last match. They said that if I performed well, I would play and if I don’t do well, I won’t. And the match was against India; the entire world watches that game,” said Ajmal on the Ultra Edge podcast. 

The offie had a fruitful outing in the high-scoring game against Men in Blue at the National Stadium in Karachi. He completed his spell with figures of 1-47 as India scored 308 in the first innings. Spinners are generally asked to bowl in the middle overs of the innings.

However, Ajmal suffered from cramps in his maiden appearance and, thus, wanted to go through with his spell as soon as possible to catch a break.

“I had more cramps. I bowled my first five overs and did well. I didn’t bowl the doosra. I contained runs. Then, I bandaged myself, bowled three to four overs, and faced cramps again,” he said.

Ajmal featured in 113 ODIs, 64 T20Is, and 35 Tests at the international level. He made headlines with a ferocious doosra and stood at the top of the rankings. He retired from international cricket in 2017.