Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal reveals that prize cheques worth Rs 25 lakh, awarded after the 2009 T20 World Cup victory by then PM Yousuf Raza Gilani, allegedly bounced
When Pakistan won the ICC World T20 in 2009, the whole country celebrated like never before. It was more than just cricket—it was hope, pride, and a rare moment where everyone came together. Younis Khan led the team, and they took down Sri Lanka at Lord’s, making history. Saeed Ajmal, with his clever spin bowling, was right there in the thick of it, helping Pakistan lift the trophy.
After the win, the government promised big rewards. The players were meant to get cheques worth Rs 25.25 lakh each, handed out by then Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. That was supposed to be the country’s way of saying thank you. But years later, Ajmal dropped a bombshell—those cheques bounced.
He didn’t sugarcoat it. Ajmal said it straight: if this happens at the top, where does that leave everyone else? His frustration was clear. For him, it wasn’t just about money. It was about respect, and about keeping promises to the people who poured their hearts into representing Pakistan.
The Saeed Ajmal cheque scandal goes deeper than bank accounts. It’s about trust. When a government promises something to its national heroes and then fails to deliver, it leaves a bad taste. Winning a world title isn’t easy—these players sacrifice time, family, and sometimes even their safety. The 2009 win came during a tough period for Pakistani cricket, which made it even more special. But now, this controversy hangs over that achievement like a dark cloud.
Pakistan cricket has never really stayed out of the headlines, for better or worse. Match-fixing, board politics, and now these bounced cheques—there’s always something. Each new allegation chips away at the public’s trust in how sports are run. Nobody wants to see their heroes let down like this.
Even though there hasn’t been an official explanation or apology, the fact that this story refuses to fade shows how much it matters. Fans and players both want to see transparency and real accountability. You can’t build a strong legacy on broken promises.
No matter what, the 2009 World T20 win stands as one of Pakistan’s proudest moments. Players like Saeed Ajmal gave everything on the field and inspired a new generation. They deserve more than excuses. If you want to celebrate the country’s sporting heroes, start by keeping your word. That’s how you show real respect—and how you make sure their achievements are what people remember, not the controversies that followed.
