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[VIDEOS] "In Pakistan I am famous as a finisher" : Iftikhar Ahmed

The famous finisher is playing a match-winning blinder vs Karachi!

Brings up his 50 from just 30 balls.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of cricket's mysteries, what happens to Iftikhar Ahmed when he is playing for Pakistan, why can't he bat like this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL6?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL6</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1404523812830515201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Chacha should get a go in the upcoming WT20. Would be a solid performer in the Middle order.
 
Brute of a knock.

He likes facing few balls before he is confident to get going.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of cricket's mysteries, what happens to Iftikhar Ahmed when he is playing for Pakistan, why can't he bat like this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL6?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL6</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1404523812830515201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Well to be fair to the guy, he did play some outstanding knocks against Australia.

And maybe if he was given as many chances as Asif Ali he would perform better.
 
He was tried in wrong format and at wrong position at international level. He is basically an ODI player, and was an opener in list-A matches.
 
Well to be fair to the guy, he did play some outstanding knocks against Australia.

And maybe if he was given as many chances as Asif Ali he would perform better.

And by some, you mean one. The other "outstanding" knock on that tour was 45 from 37, which would be branded as "match-losing" if it were Babar.

Anyway, if he were to keep this sort of form for the rest of the PSL, it would be impossible to leave him out of the T20 WC, especially since that will also be in the UAE.
 
Zero faith in this guy regardless oh how many runs he scores in the PSL. He's been given way too many chances to confirm that he's a bottler on the international arena. He comes across as a softie who completely loses his mental strength when he represents Pak. There are many players who cannot translate their talent from domestic to the international stage, and this guy is a prime example.
 
And by some, you mean one. The other "outstanding" knock on that tour was 45 from 37, which would be branded as "match-losing" if it were Babar.

Anyway, if he were to keep this sort of form for the rest of the PSL, it would be impossible to leave him out of the T20 WC, especially since that will also be in the UAE.

Yeah, he definitely deserves the blame for scoring nearly 50% of the team runs in that game. Also, unless you're quoting something I said, don't quote other people's opinions because they are not relevant to me or what I am saying.

And before you criticize a guy who has only been dismissed 5 times in T20Is, answer me this: how many guys that Pakistan have tried out recently with as little experience have even scored a half-century against a top-quality bowling attack?

Iftikhar T20I numbers: average of 42, SR of 130 are very good for a team like Pakistan that at present is trying to find a half-decent middle-order batsman in nearly every series.
 
Ifti averages 42 and has a SR of 130 for Pak, and been not out 5 times in 11 games .

Considering people are calling for Hafeez to get another shot at a World Cup despite his poor record in international tournaments its fair to say Ifti deserves a go .
 
He'll be back for the World Cup. This performance comes off the back of an impressive Pakistan cup also. He might be a TTF but he's the best TTF we have.
 
At least one slot still up for grab in order after last few horrid shoes by others. Choices seem to be Azam khan, Malik and Chachu. Asif has been tried and failed so unlikely unless he has a really amazing second half PSL.
 
I've always felt he was not given enough opportunities at top level.
He has good domestic batting averages. Safe fielder and a very handy bowler as well
 
All said and done, for all the brickbats he receives, he still is amongst the few that deliver in the PSL, which essentially is a trial ground for Intl cricket. All your Haiders, Azams and Rohails have done nothing noteworthy, they have not even looked promising, almost like fish out of water from what i have seen in this PSL. You cant blame the selectors for persisting with Chachu and Asif Ali, you can only select those who perform and these 2 have despite their limitations.
 
He did little wrong in the limited opportunity he got with the National t20 and odi sides. Many people had been rooting for him to fail even before he debuted and others piled on with little justification.

Hope Iftikhar continues his good run. He’s a fine and under appreciated cricketer who was wrongly dropped from the Pak side
 
And by some, you mean one. The other "outstanding" knock on that tour was 45 from 37, which would be branded as "match-losing" if it were Babar.

Anyway, if he were to keep this sort of form for the rest of the PSL, it would be impossible to leave him out of the T20 WC, <b>especially since that will also be in the UAE.</b>

It will most likely remain in India.

"A final decision on the host country will be taken later this month. The Board also confirmed that the BCCI will remain the hosts of the event regardless of where the event is played," the ICC said in an official release.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/spo...discuss-tax-exemption-and-venue-related-issue

Daily new infections are falling by 30% every week, so by the end of the month the current spike will be over.
 
Given Khushdil, Talat, Aziz and Asif haven't exactly lit the scene on fire, then Ifti seems like a realistic choice for that troublesome 5/6 spot.

Just keep him away from the slips.
 
And worth mentioning that he's not in the T20I squad for the tour of England.
 
Fails in an important game - maybe that's his issue?
 
If we ever visit Bangladesh to play on their rank turners, Iftikhar Ahmed would be my choice ahead of Azam, Sohaib & Asif Ali.
 
If we ever visit Bangladesh to play on their rank turners, Iftikhar Ahmed would be my choice ahead of Azam, Sohaib & Asif Ali.

Iftikhar Ahmed 86* (38)

Ifti, The Destroyer?
 
Ever since keeping that beard, he's kinda transformed his domestic heroics to PSL and now KPL as well. Won atleast 3 games for IU and now consistency on show here as well.
 
Iftikhar Ahmed 86* (38)

Ifti, The Destroyer?

It appears that he was rightly given chances to play for Pakistan.

But to be fair he has had a fair amount of opportunities and only has himself to blame.
 
Will probably comeback agst Afghanistan. Will be huge pressure on him plus his weaknesses agst the spin bowling will be tested everytime as he'll be in the middle order.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of cricket's mysteries, what happens to Iftikhar Ahmed when he is playing for Pakistan, why can't he bat like this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL6?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL6</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1404523812830515201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Its not a mystery :
Playing against Southee is NOT EQUAL to playing against waqas maqsood

Most of your fans don't know this; the better the teams / players more competitive they are. And that is except for 1/2 rare cases in last few years; our domestic legends turned out to be pure DUDs in international cricket
 
Its not a mystery :
Playing against Southee is NOT EQUAL to playing against waqas maqsood

Most of your fans don't know this; the better the teams / players more competitive they are. And that is except for 1/2 rare cases in last few years; our domestic legends turned out to be pure DUDs in international cricket

Iftikhar is still more competent and has done the miles in domestic compared to Azam Khan. And this is pure injustice.
 
Mohammad Wasim speaking about Iftikhar and Khushdil's selections for ODI series against New Zealand

“Middle-order has remained our concern and, as such, after trying a few options, we have decided to give another run to Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah, The two batters have played sufficient 50-over cricket at the domestic level and boast the required firepower to utilise the slog overs. We are optimistic they will come good in home conditions."
 
Ifti chacha is by far the best option as a finisher.

I really hope he does well in the ODI series and cements his place for the T20 WC.

He can play spin well and can bowl handy offspin, so a great pick for the WC in the UAE.
 
In the squad, out the squad, in the squad, out the squad and back in the squad.

This just shows that the selectors aren't sure about him, but they have no better options.
 
You put your right foot in
You take your right foot out
You put your right foot in
In out in out
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around
That's what it's all about


Absolute shambles khusdil and chacha who must be 50 are back .
The merry go round continues .
 
So close in two occasions. WC19 and now WC2021.
Must be a difficult moment for him. Missing out on selection in 2 consecutive WCs whilst being the closest.
 
In the squad, out the squad, in the squad, out the squad and back in the squad.

This just shows that the selectors aren't sure about him, but they have no better options.
I think it shows how the PCB are ready to invest in him but the flak from certain journalists is not letting them give a run to Iftikhar.
 
In the squad, out the squad, in the squad, out the squad and back in the squad.

This just shows that the selectors aren't sure about him, but they have no better options.

The selectors arent sure about any middle order options

Looks like after every tour they put the same 3-4 names in the bag and pull 2 names out They seem clueless and impatient Its an absolute shambles and smells of ineptness the way they keep dropping and reselecting different players turn by turn
 
View attachment 107516

Iftikhar Ahmed speaking after his performance last night vs KK in PSL 6

==

"In such tough situations one has to have confidence in oneself and when you have that confidence, you can take your team to a good finish"

"In Pakistan I am famous as a finisher, as someone who finishes the game for his side; The role of middle-order is to take the game to the end and finish it for their side"

"The six I played with a pull shot was one I found to be very nice"

"I have played for Karachi Kings who became champions and was also with IU who became champions before, and I hope they will become champions again"

"The ball was breaking and gripping in the second innings but credit to our top order who made runs and made it easier for us"

"I am aiming to win more man of the match awards as that makes you happy, and I would also like contribute in wins for my side"

He’s not wrong. He is known as a finisher in PAK. Unfortunately he is more likely to finish PAK as opposed to finishing for PAK when it comes to closing games.
 
Iftikhar chugging along in his first National T20 Cup outing.
 
To think Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali and Azam Khan(!) were preferred over him. What a travesty.
 
Iftikhar Ahmed, 36 off 18 deliveries for KP v Bal

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This guy actually is more deserving of selection for the T20 World Cup than several who have been picked.
 
T20 World Cup side considering the current Pakistan cup:

1. Babar Azam
2. Sharjeel Khan
3. Sahibzada Farhan
4. Mohammad Hafeez (past performances)
5. Mohammad Nawaz
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Shadab Khan
8. Hassan Ali
9. Asif Afridi
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Naseem Shah


This XI doesn’t have a keeper I know. So play Rizwan as the opener, Babar at 3 and then drop either Sahibzada, Nawaz or Iftikhar.
 
In the same dimension where the likes of you overhype unknown nobodies like Khushdil, etc.

No matter who you name, Ifitkhar has actually done better than all the youngsta beauties that were hyped on this forum.

People were crazy for Khushdil lol.

Today there's not a single player who can replace Iftikhar.

That's how poor our T20 team is and what mess Mickey n Sarfraz combo left for us, thinking the fake rankings would actually give us great T20 players.

I agree that Ifthikar is a lot better than the overrated hacks like asif, azam, khusdil, danish and talat who are parchi players and failed badly despite being given multiple chances.

With Ifthikar you get a bit of experience and he’s shown that he’s got power hitting ability. He did well in Australia with a quickfire 65 to get pak to a fighting 150 total. He played good cameos in the T20s victories in NZ and Eng so I don’t know why he gets so much hate. He can also bowl handy off breaks which will be useful in the uae considering none of the other batsman selected ahead him can bowl. Hafeez is arguably the best spinner/ all rounder cause
Imad and Shadab are more drifters and darters and nawaz is too raw vs bigger teams.

It’s unfair to say Mickey and sarfraz left the T20 team in shambles. They were lucky that they were no 1 for so long but atleast the team had stability and consistency and beat England in England, NZ in NZ. Aus and NZ in the UAE, WI both home and away who are a solid T20 team and narrowly lost 2-1 to South Africa in SA by 10 runs. I didn’t see the current T20 team doing this under Misbah and don’t think they can beat any of the top 4 sides with their fragile middle order (asif/Azam/Khusdil) will easily be a hat trick for the opposition, all they need to do is have a packed leg side field from long on to square leg and they will hole out.

Why would you criticise Mickey and sarfraz when Misbah got full authority through nepotism despite having no coaching qualifications and multiple conflicts of interest. The first thing Misbah did was sack sarfraz, Hafeez, Malik, Fakhar, Imad and Amir and then brought his buddies umar akmal, ahmed shehzad, Mohammed irfan and Imran khan senior into the T20 side and lost to Sri Lanka C in a historic series in Pakistan. That’s when it all started going downhill for Pakistan. Then he pressed the panic button immediately and brought Hafeez, Malik and sarfraz back for the Bangladesh T20s series in Pakistan.

Not too mention the worst bowling attack he took to Australia for the test which was heavily criticized by everyone. Then he cowardly left at the 11th hour before the World Cup.

Misbah took Pakistan’s batting approach backwards while he was captain and took it backwards even further. This is what happens when people aren’t picked on merit.
 
T20 World Cup side considering the current Pakistan cup:

1. Babar Azam
2. Sharjeel Khan
3. Sahibzada Farhan
4. Mohammad Hafeez (past performances)
5. Mohammad Nawaz
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Shadab Khan
8. Hassan Ali
9. Asif Afridi
10. Shaheen Afridi
11. Naseem Shah


This XI doesn’t have a keeper I know. So play Rizwan as the opener, Babar at 3 and then drop either Sahibzada, Nawaz or Iftikhar.

Replace Naseem Shah for Shahnawaz Dahani, and Mohammad Rizwan has to be there as the Wicketkeeper, so I would replace Rizwan for Sahibzada Farhan
 
No words for this.
Malik, Fakhar, Sarfaraz all get in but the straight bloke doesn't.
 
Iftikhar Ahmed 55* - helping KP win by 7 wickets vs Sindh
 
He appears to me to be the most capable middle-order white ball batsman in the country, it's certainly a tad mystifying why a few others (Asif Ali, Malik, Hafeez) have been preferred to him in the T20 World Cup squad.
 
He isn't just a hitter, he can also play as a competent batsman unlike Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah or Azam Khan.
 
The most famous cricketer in Pakistan history is Shoaib Malik, doesn’t matter who is a better finisher than him
 
He appears to me to be the most capable middle-order white ball batsman in the country, it's certainly a tad mystifying why a few others (Asif Ali, Malik, Hafeez) have been preferred to him in the T20 World Cup squad.

I think because he isn't famous or have media backing like Sarfraz and Malik.
 
Ita shocking ifti isnt part of the set up and malik is brought back for the millionth time and most probably fail again Rinse and repeat like the last 20 years

Only word for this - Insanity, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result
 
It's a strange one as looking at his stats in international T20's, his last scores were 4 & 20 against South Africa in Lahore. Before those 2 scores, his record is pretty good.

He was dropped after those two games for no good reason. The fact he can bowl off spin, can be a finisher with his batting, is a decent fielder and has played well in the UAE in the PSL. So why is Asif Ali ahead of him? Asif Ali's batting average is T20 internationals is 16.38 while Iftikhar's batting average in T20 internationals is 42.40. What am I missing here?
 
It's a strange one as looking at his stats in international T20's, his last scores were 4 & 20 against South Africa in Lahore. Before those 2 scores, his record is pretty good.

He was dropped after those two games for no good reason. The fact he can bowl off spin, can be a finisher with his batting, is a decent fielder and has played well in the UAE in the PSL. So why is Asif Ali ahead of him? Asif Ali's batting average is T20 internationals is 16.38 while Iftikhar's batting average in T20 internationals is 42.40. What am I missing here?

He doesn't have X factor like Asif or M factor (media) like Malik
 
It's a strange one as looking at his stats in international T20's, his last scores were 4 & 20 against South Africa in Lahore. Before those 2 scores, his record is pretty good.

He was dropped after those two games for no good reason. The fact he can bowl off spin, can be a finisher with his batting, is a decent fielder and has played well in the UAE in the PSL. So why is Asif Ali ahead of him? Asif Ali's batting average is T20 internationals is 16.38 while Iftikhar's batting average in T20 internationals is 42.40. What am I missing here?

He didn't have PR company behind him.
 
It's a strange one as looking at his stats in international T20's, his last scores were 4 & 20 against South Africa in Lahore. Before those 2 scores, his record is pretty good.

He was dropped after those two games for no good reason. The fact he can bowl off spin, can be a finisher with his batting, is a decent fielder and has played well in the UAE in the PSL. So why is Asif Ali ahead of him? Asif Ali's batting average is T20 internationals is 16.38 while Iftikhar's batting average in T20 internationals is 42.40. What am I missing here?

Absolutely nothing!
 
Reality is Pakistan can try who ever they want, they're still gonna be short of 2 quality middle order batters:

Current line up ..

Babar
Rizwan
xxx
Hafeez
xxx
Imad
Shadab
Nawaz
Hasan
Afridi
Rauf...

In those xxx you can fit any of Malik, Haider, Maqsood, Ifthikar, Asif, Azam, Khushdil, Sarfaraz, Talat....thats 9 there for you...we will still struggle.

Or

You can of course bring in Fakhar or/and Sharjeel to make up the numbers, then your combination will suffer and you will struggle to get the best out of your line up.
 
As clean a striker as you will see in cricket today!

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some of Iftikhar Ahmed's latest scores:<br><br>54* in 26 balls<br>33* off 21 balls<br>55* off 34 balls<br>58 off 34 balls<br>36 off 18 balls<br>40* off 25 balls<br><br>It remains one of cricket's mysteries, what happens to him when he is playing for Pakistan and why can't he bat like this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1447646713485930504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some of Iftikhar Ahmed's latest scores:<br><br>54* in 26 balls<br>33* off 21 balls<br>55* off 34 balls<br>58 off 34 balls<br>36 off 18 balls<br>40* off 25 balls<br><br>It remains one of cricket's mysteries, what happens to him when he is playing for Pakistan and why can't he bat like this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1447646713485930504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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If he had been given even 5% chances that Malik and Hafeez have been given over the last 15 years then he may have been an answer to some of our problems. Should have gone ahead of both a Hafeez and Malik .

He has t20i SR of 130 and an average of 42 in his 13 match career . But just has not been given the opportunity to establish himself .
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some of Iftikhar Ahmed's latest scores:<br><br>54* in 26 balls<br>33* off 21 balls<br>55* off 34 balls<br>58 off 34 balls<br>36 off 18 balls<br>40* off 25 balls<br><br>It remains one of cricket's mysteries, what happens to him when he is playing for Pakistan and why can't he bat like this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1447646713485930504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Thats hardly fair saj Hes barely had 20 innings across all odis and t20s scattered over several years

Playing one series and then being dropped Then picked 2 years later for one series and then dropped is hardly fair n doesnt give any confidence to a player or help them in cementing a place in the team

He shouldve been backed a lot more than he has Hes another victim of a system thats stacked against newbies who hardly get a chance
 
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Ifti Chachu is in great form no doubt.
He's better than Khushdil & Asif. Should've been in the reserves at least.

Anyway, Malik & Hafeez will retire after the world cup. After that he may get consistent chances in the team.
 
Ifti Chachu is in great form no doubt.
He's better than Khushdil & Asif. Should've been in the reserves at least.

Anyway, Malik & Hafeez will retire after the world cup. After that he may get consistent chances in the team.

Ifti chacha may retire too though. He's probably older than both of them.
 
I never liked him or rated him. But the guy has done exceptionally well in domestic and has been one of the most consistent performers there. Now he is batting at no.6 instead of his usual position of 4 5. Batting at 4 and 5 is much easier than batting at no.6 and he is sacrificing his comfort in a bid to get selected again and is doing well too. Feeling for this guy. His offspin has improved a lot as well.
 
I think the way he is playing he will make come back to Pak team, Now a days the matches telecast live and good performances gets attention they deserve. Its just a matter of time.
 
If Iftikhar gets stage fright on the international stage then I don’t know what happens to Asif Ali?

But I do think he’d been a fairer shout than Asif. In saying that, just shows the lack if quality within t
 
Thats hardly fair saj Hes barely had 20 innings across all odis and t20s scattered over several years

Playing one series and then being dropped Then picked 2 years later for one series and then dropped is hardly fair n doesnt give any confidence to a player or help them in cementing a place in the team

He shouldve been backed a lot more than he has Hes another victim of a system thats stacked against newbies who hardly get a chance
Besides those two innings in Australia, he has looked like a tail-ender in pretty much every innings he has played at international level. Some players just aren’t cut out for top level cricket, Iftikhar is a clear example of one of them.
 
How is this guy now in the World Cup squad but Khushdil Shah is
 
Is there still any chance that he will be selected for world Cup?
 
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