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Saeed Ajmal Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

Quick Info

Date of birth14 October 1977

Age45 Years (as of 2022)

BirthplaceFaisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

ProfessionFormer cricketer; Pakistani cricket coach

NationalityPakistani

Marital statusMarried

FamilyTwo sons (Bilal Ajmal, Hilal Ajmal), one daughter (Rameen Ajmal)

Saeed Ajmal Biography

Saeed Ajmal is a former Pakistani international cricketer turned coach, best known for his off-spin and the doosra. Born in Faisalabad, he rose to become a

Early life and background

Saeed Ajmal was born on 14 October 1977 in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. He attended Govt. Islamia High School in Jinnah Colony and later studied at Government College University, Faisalabad. Ajmal grew up in a Pakistani Muslim household and is associated with the Barelvi tradition.

He stands 1.63 m tall (5 feet 4 inches), with black hair and black eyes. Ajmal is commonly known by the nickname "The Magician," a reference to his ability to trouble batsmen with spin bowling.

Career

Ajmal began his senior domestic career in the mid-1990s and played for Faisalabad from 1996 onward. Over the years he represented a variety of domestic and franchise teams, including Khan Research Laboratories, Islamabad, Faisalabad Wolves, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd, Worcestershire, Dhaka Gladiators, Adelaide Strikers, Barisal Burners, Islamabad United and Chittagong Vikings.

A right-handed batsman and a right-arm offbreak bowler, Ajmal became widely known for his doosra delivery. He made his One Day International debut for Pakistan on 2 July 2008 against India in Karachi, and his Test debut followed in July 2009 against Sri Lanka in Galle. His T20 international debut was in May 2009 versus Australia in Dubai. He wore the number 50 jersey for Pakistan.

Ajmal's international rise came relatively late—he was 30 when he began his ODI career—but he quickly became a key spin option for Pakistan. He played a prominent role in Pakistan’s successful 2009 ICC World Twenty20 campaign, forming an effective spin partnership with Shahid Afridi and finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with twelve wickets in seven matches. He was also Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2010 ICC World Twenty20.

Domestically, he featured in notable performances for Faisalabad, helping them to victory in the 2005 ABN-AMRO Twenty-20 Cup and earning recognition as best bowler in the ABN-AMRO Patron’s Cup final in 2006. He surpassed 250 first-class wickets during his career and produced memorable spells for Worcestershire, including a career-best innings return of 7 for 19.

Ajmal’s career was marked by both acclaim and controversy around his bowling action. In April 2009 he was reported for a suspect action but cleared after testing showed his arm flexion remained within the permitted tolerance. The legality of his action attracted renewed attention in 2012 after media discussion, but investigations and ICC engagement affirmed that his action met governing standards. In September 2014 the International Cricket Council suspended him from bowling in international cricket after an independent analysis concluded his deliveries exceeded the permitted tolerance.

Public profile

Ajmal’s profile extended beyond the playing field. In March 2015 he received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his services to the nation. He also appeared on television as part of the adventure-action reality series The Ultimate Muqabla on ARY Digital in 2022–2023.

Personal life

Ajmal is married and a father of three: two sons, Bilal Ajmal and Hilal Ajmal, and a daughter, Rameen Ajmal. He has a brother, Younis Ahmed, who has been involved in cricket as well. Ajmal follows a non-vegetarian diet.

Latest updates

After his playing days, Ajmal moved into coaching roles within cricket. He continued to be involved in domestic and franchise competitions during the 2010s and appeared on television in the early 2020s.

Career highlights

Ajmal’s late breakthrough into international cricket, his central role in Pakistan’s 2009 World Twenty20 triumph, multiple strong domestic seasons including a best bowling innings of 7/19, and national recognition with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz are among the most notable landmarks of his career.

Legacy

Known for his off-spin variations and the doosra, Saeed Ajmal remains one of Pakistan’s most discussed spinners of his era. His achievements, combined with the debates around his bowling action and subsequent suspension, have left a complex but prominent imprint on contemporary Pakistani cricket.

Recent Work

The Ultimate Muqabla (TV)

Adventure-action reality show on ARY Digital (2022-2023)

2022-2023

Career Highlights

  1. Key member of Pakistan's 2009 ICC World Twenty20-winning team; joint second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament (12 wickets).
  2. Received Sitara-e-Imtiaz in March 2015 for contributions to Pakistan.
  3. Career-best first-class innings figures of 7/19 for Worcestershire.
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Saeed Ajmal born?

14 October 1977

What is Saeed Ajmal known for?

Former cricketer; Pakistani cricket coach

What is Saeed Ajmal’s marital status?

Married