India’s record-extending ninth Asia Cup triumph has not only dominated cricket headlines but also triggered renewed discussions across the border. Soon after India’s five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 2025 final in Dubai, an old video of former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal resurfaced on social media, drawing sharp reactions from fans.In the clip from a 2023 podcast with Nadir Ali, Ajmal recalled how Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning squad was promised cheques of PKR 25 lakh each by then Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. While the players were delighted at the reward, Ajmal revealed that the cheques later bounced. “In the clip from a 2023 podcast with Nadir Ali, Ajmal recalled how Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning squad was promised cheques of PKR 25 lakh each by then Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. While the players were delighted at the reward, Ajmal revealed the cheques later bounced,” Ajmal said in the podcast.“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.”Click here to watch the full clip of Saeed Ajmal’s comments Ajmal’s comments, resurfacing just after India’s Asia Cup glory, have reignited debate about the contrasting ways in which cricket boards treat their players. While Ajmal lamented broken promises, the BCCI announced a cash prize of Rs 21 crore for the Indian squad immediately after their Asia Cup victory on Sunday.Ajmal, who took 12 wickets in Pakistan’s 2009 campaign, remains one of the country’s most successful spinners despite his career ending in 2015 following an ICC suspension over his bowling action.
