'Before my debut, I was told that...' - Former Pakistan cricketer recounts his tale of woe before his ODI debut against India

Pakistan ODI Team (Source: Twitter)

Pakistan cricket has been blessed with wonderful personalities and cricketing legends over the years with a wonderful history and rich legacy. But a lot of politics and regionalism has found its way into the corridors of Pakistan which have made things tougher in the cricket circles.

Saeed Ajmal, the former Pakistan off-spinner, had a good fulfilling career when he donned the green jersey. He was often regarded as the best spinner during his time, picking up 184 wickets in ODIs in 113 matches. But there was more to the tale, as Ajmal has revealed some shocking revelations about the Pakistan management.

"I got my first match against India. Before my debut, I was told that this would be my first and the last match. They said that if I performed well, I would play and if I don't do well, I won't. And the match was against India; the entire world watches that game." Ajmal said on the Ultra Edge podcast. He also talked about how former Pakistan chief selector Mudassar Nazar said that he could easily face him in the nets without getting out.

I faced cramps while bowling in my first ODI - Saeed Ajmal

He had a good outing in his maiden ODI as he picked up 1-47 in his spell. His maiden ODI wicket was Yusuf Pathan. India scored 308 and then Pakistan chased the target down led by Younis Khan. He also talked about how he faced cramps in his first-ever game for Pakistan.

"When I went inside, I faced cramps. Misbah was the captain, and he told me I had to do overs in the powerplay. I said that I'm having cramps, give me overs now and let me leave. He replied, 'what are you saying? I have to give you overs in the end." "I had more cramps. I bowled my first five overs and did well. I didn't bowl the doosra. I contained runs. Then, I bandaged myself, bowled three to four overs and faced cramps again."