In the annals of cricket, few names resonate with the spin and mystery of the game quite like Saeed Ajmal. Born on October 14, 1977, in the bustling city of Faisalabad, Pakistan, Ajmal rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most formidable off-spin bowlers in modern cricket. This article delves into the life and career of Saeed Ajmal, a man who not only spun the ball but also the fortunes of many cricket matches in Pakistan’s favor.
Ajmal’s journey is one of resilience and skill, marked by significant achievements and notable controversies. From his domestic debut in 1995 to his ascent as a key player in the Pakistan national team, his career has been a blend of highs and lows. His mastery of the doosra, a delivery that spins in the opposite direction to a conventional off-spinner, bamboozled batsmen across the world and became a hallmark of his bowling arsenal.
Saeed Ajmal Batting Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 35 | 53 | 12 | 451 | 50 | 11.0 | 1082 | 41.68 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 44 | 4 |
| ODI | 113 | 70 | 24 | 324 | 33 | 7.04 | 536 | 60.45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 |
| T20I | 64 | 23 | 12 | 91 | 21 | 8.27 | 86 | 105.81 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 |
Bowling Career Stats
| Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 35 | 67 | 11592 | 5003 | 178 | 7/55 | 11/111 | 2.59 | 28.11 | 65.12 | 10 | 4 |
| ODI | 113 | 112 | 6000 | 4180 | 184 | 5/24 | 5/24 | 4.18 | 22.72 | 32.61 | 2 | 0 |
| T20I | 64 | 63 | 1430 | 1516 | 85 | 4/19 | 4/19 | 6.36 | 17.84 | 16.82 | 0 | 0 |
Career Information
Test debut vs Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium, Jul 04, 2009
Last Test vs Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club, Aug 14, 2014
ODI debut vs India at National Stadium, Jul 02, 2008
Last ODI vs Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Apr 19, 2015
T20 debut vs Australia at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, May 07, 2009
Last T20 vs Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Apr 24, 2015
Biography
Saeed Ajmal, born on October 14, 1977, in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, is a renowned former Pakistani cricketer and a current cricket coach. He has had an illustrious career in cricket, marked by significant achievements and occasional controversies.
Ajmal began his domestic cricket career with Faisalabad in 1995 at the age of 18. He quickly made a name for himself in the domestic circuit, playing for teams like Faisalabad Wolves and Khan Research Laboratories. His performances in domestic cricket paved the way for his international debut. In 2008, Ajmal was included in Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup, marking the beginning of his international career. He made his debut against India and secured a single wicket in that match.
Career Way of Saeed Ajmal
Saeed Ajmal, a prominent figure in Pakistani cricket, made significant strides in his career, achieving various milestones and facing challenges. He debuted for Faisalabad in 1995 at the age of 18 and made his mark in domestic cricket, playing for teams like Faisalabad Wolves and Khan Research Laboratories.
In international cricket, Ajmal made his debut for Pakistan in the 2008 Asia Cup. He was known for his spin bowling, particularly his doosra, and played a key role in Pakistan’s cricket team. Ajmal’s performance in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 was notable, as he became the tournament’s joint second highest wicket-taker. His career, however, faced a setback in 2014 when the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned him for an illegal bowling action. Despite efforts to rectify his action with the help of Saqlain Mushtaq, Ajmal withdrew from the 2015 World Cup squad.
Ajmal announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in November 2017. His domestic career included significant performances, such as being the man of the match in the 2005 ABN-AMRO Twenty-20 Cup final and being named the best bowler in the 2006 ABN-AMRO Patron’s Cup. Internationally, he became the fastest Pakistani bowler to reach 100 Test wickets in his 20th Test in 2012. Following his retirement, Ajmal turned to coaching and was appointed as an assistant coach for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Throughout his career, Ajmal’s bowling action often came under scrutiny, but he remained a key player for Pakistan in various formats of the game. His journey from a domestic player to an international cricket star and coach is a testament to his skills and dedication to the sport.
ICC Ban and Blitz Cricket
On September 9, 2014, the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed a ban on Saeed Ajmal due to concerns about his bowling action. An independent analysis determined that Ajmal’s action did not comply with the ICC’s regulations, as it was found that his deliveries exceeded the 15-degree arm extension limit allowed. As a result, Ajmal was suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.
In another notable achievement, during the Hong Kong T20 Blitz in 2017, Ajmal distinguished himself by becoming the first bowler and the first overseas player to take five wickets in a single match in the tournament. This performance added another highlight to his career, showcasing his skill in the T20 format.
Bowling Style
Saeed Ajmal, a right-arm off-spinner, was known for his distinctive bowling style that posed challenges for batsmen. His primary delivery, the off-spin, typically turned into right-handed batsmen. However, Ajmal was also proficient in bowling the doosra, a delivery that spins in the opposite direction, often confusing the batsmen who struggled to anticipate its trajectory.
Ajmal’s approach to bowling was somewhat different from traditional off-spinners. He preferred to bowl flatter and faster, which allowed him to effectively use various pace variations. He acknowledged that a significant portion of his wickets came from bowling the doosra, emphasizing its importance in his arsenal. Ajmal believed in the effectiveness of both the doosra and offbreak, asserting that regardless of the type of delivery, it was crucial to bowl on the correct line to take wickets.
England batsman Kevin Pietersen, in 2010, highlighted the challenges posed by Ajmal’s bowling style. He noted that with advancements like HawkEye, the game had evolved, especially for spinners. Left-arm spinners were more effective in getting lbw decisions by sliding the ball on, while offspinners, particularly those like Ajmal who could bowl the doosra, required batsmen to work extremely hard to play them effectively.
Ajmal’s unique style and his ability to master the doosra set him apart as one of the more challenging spin bowlers to face in international cricket
Personal Life Saeed Ajmal, born on October 14, 1977, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, is a former Pakistani cricketer and a renowned off-spinner known for his mastery of the doosra delivery. Ajmal is married to Nisha Ajmal. His personal life, including further details about his family, remains relatively private, with limited information publicly available. He has maintained a balance between his professional and personal life, keeping much of his family life away from the public eye.
In addition to his cricketing career, Ajmal has also ventured into television. He made his television debut in the adventure-action reality show ‘The Ultimate Muqabla’ in 2022-2023, which aired on ARY Digital. This show marked a new chapter in his career, showcasing his talents beyond the cricket field.
Ajmal’s cricketing journey has been remarkable, from his debut in international cricket in the Asia Cup of 2008 to becoming a pivotal figure in Pakistan cricket. Despite facing challenges, including a ban by the ICC in 2014 due to his bowling action, Ajmal’s dedication and passion for the sport have remained unwavering.
Throughout his career, Ajmal has received immense support and admiration for his contributions to cricket, both as a player and later as a coach. He has become a respected figure in the sport, known for his skill, perseverance, and commitment to the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Saeed Ajmal’s legacy in the world of cricket is one of exceptional talent, resilience, and transformation. His journey from a modest beginning in Faisalabad to becoming one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. Ajmal’s career was not just about the wickets he took or the matches he won; it was about the art of spin bowling, which he mastered and showcased on the global stage. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges, particularly the controversy surrounding his bowling action, speaks volumes about his character and determination.
Off the field, Ajmal’s life reflects a man of diverse interests and commitments. From coaching to television appearances, he has continued to influence and contribute to cricket and entertainment in Pakistan. His story is not just one of a cricketer but of an individual who, through ups and downs, remained steadfast in his love for the sport. Saeed Ajmal remains a figure of inspiration, not only for aspiring cricketers but for anyone who values hard work, perseverance, and the spirit of sportsmanship. His legacy in cricket, marked by skill, innovation, and integrity, will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of cricketers and sports enthusiasts around the world.