Cricket News

Saeed Ajmal recalls how people made fun of his English on social media

One of the finest spinners in the history of Pakistan cricket, Saeed Ajmal helped Pakistan win a number of matches. He boasts of an outstanding record in international cricket and was also Pakistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in the 2009 20-20 World Cup winning campaign.

Apart from bowling exploits, fans also used to make fun of his English. A lot of his video clips had gone viral in the past where he could be seen making fun of himself by speaking foul English.

However, Saeed Ajmal wouldn’t be embarrassed because of that as he feels that he shouldn’t be judged by his English but rather by his skill levels in the game. The Pakistan spinner, recently, recalled the time when he became a butt of jokes because of the English language.

“Jab mai world number one bana, mujhe bade bando ne kaha ki tu English sikh le, maine kaha meri marzi bhai, mai jo marzi karu. (When I became world number one, some people asked me to learn English and I told them I will do what I want, he told Crickwick podcast.)

Ajmal felt there is no harm in giving interviews in the mother language and the people should rather concentrate on his performances on the field.

“Agar apko meri mother language mai interview karna hai to karo, aur mai shy nahi hu aur na hi hona chiye.” (If you want to speak in my mother language, then go ahead. I wasn’t shy at all for speaking Urdu.). Hume English nahi ati, pur jo hum kar rahey hai, duniya dekh rahi hai, I am world number one.”

Saeed Ajmal enjoyed an illustrious international cricket career. In 35 Tests, Ajmal picked 178 wickets at an average of 28.1. The 45-year-old also represented Pakistan in 113 ODIs, claiming 184 wickets at 22.7.

His best performances came in the T20Is, where he picked up 85 wickets in 64 T20 international at an average of 17.8.