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'They Cut Last Two Frames to Save Tendulkar'- Saeed Ajmal Alleges Foul Play in 2011 World Cup Semi-Final

image-ljlbq98oSachin Tendulkar was batting on 23 when he was struck on pads (Twitter)

Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy by making audacious claims surrounding the highly-debated decision during the 2011 World Cup semi-final clash between India and Pakistan in Mohali.


Ajmal makes startling accusation on Tendulkar's wicket decision

The incident in question involves the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who found himself at the crease, batting on 23, when a delivery from Ajmal struck him on the pads, seemingly in line with the stumps. In response to the animated appeals of the Pakistan players, Umpire Ian Gould promptly raised his finger to signal Tendulkar's dismissal.

However, the Indian maestro chose to challenge the decision by opting for a referral. The subsequent replays showed the ball to be missing the leg stump by a hair's breadth, which effectively granted Tendulkar a vital reprieve.


Watch: Video of Sachin Tendulkar's controversial dismissal off Saeed Ajmal's bowling

Opening up on the incident on Nadir Ali's podcast more than a decade later, Ajmal has now alleged that the last two frames of the replay were deliberately omitted to protect Tendulkar's wicket. According to the former spinner, these missing frames would have clearly shown the ball striking the middle stump, which would have erased all doubts about Tendulkar's dismissal.

"I played in the 2011 World Cup in India. If you could remember the controversial call of Sachin Tendulkar's wicket. Umpire and I still say he was out. They cut the last two frames to make the ball miss the stumps. Otherwise, it would have directly hit the middle stump," said Ajmal.

As far as the India vs Pakistan 2011 World Cup semi-final is concerned, Tendulkar went on to score a crucial 85 runs off 115 balls, contributing significantly to India's total of 260 for 9 in 50 overs. Chasing the stiff target, Pakistan fell short by 29 runs as they were bowled out for 231 to bow out of the tournament.

Coming to Ajmal, the skilled off-spinner had a career fraught with both success and controversy. He claimed 178 wickets in 35 Test matches before retiring from the format in 2014. 

The Pakistani veteran bid farewell to One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2015. Throughout his ODI career, Ajmal grabbed 184 wickets in 113 matches at an impressive economy rate of 4.18.