India’s record-extending ninth Asia Cup title, sealed with a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the 2025 final, has sparked fresh conversations beyond the boundary ropes. While celebrations in the Indian camp were marked with a cash prize announcement of ₹21 crore by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), an old controversy in Pakistan has resurfaced—thanks to former spinner Saeed Ajmal.
Ajmal’s revelation resurfaces
Soon after India’s latest triumph, a video clip from 2023 began circulating on social media. In it, Ajmal recalls how Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning squad had been promised prize cheques of PKR 25 lakh each by then Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani.
While the players were initially delighted, Ajmal said their happiness was short-lived as the cheques later bounced. “I was shocked that even a government cheque could bounce. We were told the PCB chief would handle it, but they refused, saying it was the government’s responsibility. In the end, the only money we got was from the ICC,” he said during the podcast with host Nadir Ali.
The resurfacing of this clip, coinciding with India’s latest Asia Cup glory, has ignited debate about the contrasting treatment of players by the two cricket boards.
BCCI rewards versus PCB’s broken promises
Ajmal’s revelations stand in stark contrast to the immediate response of the Indian cricket board. Within hours of lifting the Asia Cup trophy on Sunday, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced a ₹21 crore cash reward for the victorious Indian squad.
Fans across social media drew comparisons, pointing out how the BCCI’s swift recognition highlighted the board’s financial muscle and organisational efficiency, while Ajmal’s story underscored lingering frustrations within Pakistan cricket.
A celebrated career, a bitter memory
Ajmal, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 2009 campaign with 12 wickets, remains one of the country’s most successful spinners. His career, however, came to an abrupt end in 2015 after the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended his bowling action.
Despite his on-field accomplishments, the episode of the bounced cheques has remained a bitter memory. “Even after winning a world title for the country, players had to face humiliation,” Ajmal remarked in the old clip.
Broader debate on player treatment
The timing of Ajmal’s resurfaced comments has sharpened focus on the way cricketing bodies handle player welfare and recognition. Observers say it underlines a deeper contrast: India’s cricket establishment continues to grow stronger, both financially and structurally, while Pakistan’s players often face challenges rooted in administrative shortcomings.
With India extending its dominance in Asian cricket and rewarding its players generously, Ajmal’s account of broken promises is being viewed as symbolic of Pakistan’s struggles in supporting its sporting heroes.
Conclusion
As India basks in the glow of yet another Asia Cup title, the controversy stirred by Ajmal’s remarks has cast a shadow across the border. For Pakistani fans and former players, it serves as a painful reminder of past neglect, even as their arch-rivals celebrate stability and recognition at home.