[VIDEOS] "My performances are not as bad as people make them out to be": Iftikhar Ahmed

[MenInG]

Speaking to the media after the India game - Iftikhar:

"I don't think there was any shortage from our part; India got good momentum. You have to give credit to Virat Kohli; he played brilliantly"

"My performance is not as bad as people point fingers at me. Those who talk negatively, I take positive out of it."

"I try to give my hundred percent in every match; I did not know that I became the first Pakistani batsman to hit four sixes in Australia"

 

[MenInG]

Did his job in the India game and BA now needs to trust him more.

 

[WengerOut]

Say anything about him, but this man has nerves of steel. Pakistan would be wishing if he could have been younger.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Did his job in the India game and BA now needs to trust him more.

More than Babar, Iftikhar needs to trust himself more and take the game on. He's been too cautious in the past.

 

[Coolcapri]

I hope this inning give him confidence & take the middle order crucial rule.

 

[adzzy786]

To be fair he gets starts most of the time and has made 20/30’s and he gets out when trying to accelerate. I hope this innings give him the confidence to play more innings like this. Good to see we have a batsman who can hit the ball.

 

[topspin]

He's brilliant at hitting spin but he's struggling to bat at more than run a ball against pace because his reflexes have gone. This was evident by that lbw dismissal. If he's expecting a short delivery and it ends up being full, he can't adjust.

We need him in this tournament to bash spin but after that it's important Pakistan finally moves on him from. He's too old to be playing at this level.

 

[Double Trouble]

Always new chacha had potential just needs to play freely going forward in this tournament to take pressure of the rest of the crumbling middle order.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Iftikhar is an all rounder for his domestic team. No reason why he can’t be trusted more with the National team.

In all the hullabaloo about Babar and Nawaz, we have forgotten how big a performance that was from Iftikhar inside the cauldron.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

The phainty he gave to pirated Jadeja was something else.

 

[Snowflake]

One good performance and look at the shamelessness of this guy. Wow.

 

[Smbhayi]

Good player of spin but struggles against pacers..

 

[Snowflake]

Good player of spin but struggles against pacers..

He's a clone of Misbah.

 

[Omer2002]

Babz needs to use his bowling much more than he does

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I guess Chacha has been on PakPassion recently.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Good player of spin but struggles against pacers..

He has a SR of 105 against spin and a SR of 141 v pace.

Also has a SR of 150+ in Australia.

 

[TheSultan]

I’m not a fan of him, but he’s proved me wrong in one aspect - I didn’t think he could ever go beyond the 30s again.

Was listening to his interview - likeable guy.

We’re stuck with him for this World Cup so I hope he does well and he showed some intent and ability in the last match so let’s hope for the best.

 

[TeymurBlake]

He played a good knock but he should have continued on. Went after Axar Patel which was good but should have continued the partnership with Shan.

 

[Major]

He is not a bad batsman. I have seen this guy since 2014. He used to play for Peshawar Panthers and was just brutal with his hitting.

People talk about SKY, but they have no idea of Iftikhar. Same tournament there is a match of Peshawar against Faisalabad. Misbah was captaining and his team made a good score. Misbah would had won easily, this guy stood and build a partnership. Iftikharr was launching sixes that no one else could had at that time. Wonderful batting. Singlehandedly he won his team the game and Misbah's Faisalabad wolves were defeated.

Misbah was impressed by him and Misbah took him in his SNGPL teams for all formats. In all formats he performs.

In the Pakistani team, he dosnt get the confidence. When he bats, he doesnt really struggle that much, he will rotate strike, and will score runs of bouncers aswell.. His weakness is sometimes he tries to play on the offside and edges it to the keeper.

But he is a fine batsman. Its good that Waseem is backing him in this T20. He has scored runs in Australia in the past.

But, he will always be our Chacha . We will keep joking about that becuase come on, he is near 40, but says im 32 years old. The Chacha jokes are made in good light. The best memes are made on him, especailly when Iftikhar performs.

Recently a meme was shared where he is shirtless and is in a swimming pool with his angry expressions. Some one posted a caption, this is what Axar patel see's in his dreams )

 

[Major]

He's brilliant at hitting spin but he's struggling to bat at more than run a ball against pace because his reflexes have gone. This was evident by that lbw dismissal. If he's expecting a short delivery and it ends up being full, he can't adjust.

We need him in this tournament to bash spin but after that it's important Pakistan finally moves on him from. He's too old to be playing at this level.

oh ja oye.
our Chacha is only 32 years young. He has a birth certificate for it .

 

[Markhor]

Ifti shouldn't be grouped with Asif and Khushdil - he's much better than those two tailenders.

He proved he can handle Australian conditions in 2019, and outperformed our much vaunted openers in a big match vs IND coming in a tough situation.

 

[topspin]

Ifti shouldn't be grouped with Asif and Khushdil - he's much better than those two tailenders.

He proved he can handle Australian conditions in 2019, and outperformed our much vaunted openers in a big match vs IND coming in a tough situation.

I agree but I just feel his reflexes against pace have deteriorated quite fast since the start of the year or is it just me?

 

[Markhor]

I agree but I just feel his reflexes against pace have deteriorated quite fast since the start of the year or is it just me?

His SR vs pace mentioned above seems pretty good.

He's no worse than "Superman Rizwan" who could've been dismissed 2-3 times before he got out vs India and looked like a tailender with the movement and bounce.

 

[Concerned]

Difference between Ifti Vs Babar, Rizwan, Shan, Shadab and Nawaz is Ifti has the ability to increase his strike rate once he has settled.

Problem being he does not feel his place is secure and is likely to take less risks.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Ifti seems a natural number 3. He could be a David Malan type player because when he gets going he can really accelerate.

He should also bowl in every match.

 

[shamaan]

He's not a bad batter but gets out at the wrong time after being set.

 

[MenInG]

More quotes from Iftikhar:

“Zimbabwe are also an international team and we will take them like any other international side, we will give our 100 per cent against them"

“When you lose a match, you’re obviously hurt but the way Babar Azam spoke to us after the game has lifted everyone’s confidence and we are looking forward to the next game"

“Be it one ball or 10 balls, we all play for the team and try to make our team win matches"

“Everyone in middle order is eager and hungry to score runs for team”

“What message I can send them (critics), there’s nothing to be said"

“Everyone has his own style, own shots, one can’t tell them what they’ve to adopt"

 

[shariqnoor]

Pakistan captain and management have ruined Iftikhar. He's a classic case of how not to build up a player.

Iftikhar is a bonafide giant of white-ball cricket in Pakistan. Anyone who has watched him over the years in the domestic would know how good a player he is. But he's been terribly mishandled. This guy has never got a proper run at number 4 in white-ball cricket. Rizwan has no business playing at number 4 in ODIs and neither does Shadab, Khushdil, Nawaz in T20s. Number 4 should've always belonged to this guy and it sends a very poor message when fake allrounders are sent in ahead of your specialist batsman.

Anyways, there's no need to hype Iftikhar up. He hasn't proved anything yet. He's just played a very good innings and that's about it.

 

[SamNJ]

Such a ferocious hitter of ball this guy. He should go after spinners even if he manages run a ball against seamers its fine.

 

[Cric1234]

He’s inconsistent that’s the problem and he played an ordinary innings in the Asia Cup Final 30 at a run a ball letting the run rate climb to 15 with Rizwan struggling at the other end.

Pakistan are missing Umar Akmal he won’t just play for his average but to win the game him opening or at number 3 would give the team more chance of scoring extra runs in the first 10 overs which are crucial against better teams.

 

[Suleiman]

Hats off to this chap. I’m one of his biggest critics, but he was batting like a completely different man. Australia suits him.

Credit to [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] for backing him, and his other fans too.

Babar should’ve just given him the final over, because it couldn’t have been worse than forcing Nawaz to bowl as a medium pacer. What a stupid and strange strategy lmao. He keeps surprising us with his strategies.

Still not really a fan of Ifti, but he performed under pressure.

 

[moghul]

He has been talking non-stop since India match. No doubt , it was a match winning ( almost ) knock , but that before that he had long list of failures . He is in the team because others were even worst than him. He should now give more consistent performance before start talking too much about himself, Good luck to him .

 

[Messiah]

Third best batsman in the team. People make fun of thus young man because he has a mature face. But he is the only one who showed up in the world cup stage against the arch rivals.

 

[Major]

He has been talking non-stop since India match. No doubt , it was a match winning ( almost ) knock , but that before that he had long list of failures . He is in the team because others were even worst than him. He should now give more consistent performance before start talking too much about himself, Good luck to him .

Come on, how has he been talking?

After the india match, media went to him and spoke.

Than before Zimbabwe game today we do a presser one day before, team management sent him instead of others.

He is just full filing media duties and just answers whatever is asked from him.

He isn't really talking too much about himself. They question, he answers

 

[MenInG]

He has been talking non-stop since India match. No doubt , it was a match winning ( almost ) knock , but that before that he had long list of failures . He is in the team because others were even worst than him. He should now give more consistent performance before start talking too much about himself, Good luck to him .

No, he was sent in for Pakistan's media conference and answered questions put to him.

 

[zaidihusain]

He’s inconsistent that’s the problem and he played an ordinary innings in the Asia Cup Final 30 at a run a ball letting the run rate climb to 15 with Rizwan struggling at the other end.

Pakistan are missing Umar Akmal he won’t just play for his average but to win the game him opening or at number 3 would give the team more chance of scoring extra runs in the first 10 overs which are crucial against better teams.

I believe Sohaib Maqsood still has role in middle order. He didn't get too many proper opportunities in ODIs / T20s after he returned

 

[umerz]

No doubt he has been better than all other players (Haider Ali, Asif, Khushdil,Shan Masood ) who have been given chances barring permanent members of the team (Rizwan, BAbar, Shaheen, NAwaz, Shadab, Haris R, Naseem etc)

 

[happydavy]

If his inning against India doesn't give him the confidence to think that he's a very good player and play more confidently from now on, then nothing ever will.

 

[Salman4.]

Better to put all the quotes. This gives the wrong impression.
He said that if you look at the role given to me by management, they want me to stabilize the innings after early wickets have fallen. I haven't done too bad in that regard.

 

[gazza619]

Inconsistent as always is Chacha. Only has himself to blame for his overall average record.

 

[Leeon1994]

Biggest six of the tournament. This guy still got power at this age.

 

[Hectic]

Biggest six of the tournament. This guy still got power at this age.

At this age?! The youngster is still only 32.

 

[Leeon1994]

lol

 

[MenInG]

Biggest six of the tournament. This guy still got power at this age.

 

[daytrader]

What a hit by Iftikhar!

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[Mamoon]

He has played with freedom in this World Cup which has helped him. However, he was part of the bunch that choked against Zimbabwe and is therefore directly responsible for Pakistan failing to make the semifinals.

 

[SamNJ]

He has played with freedom in this World Cup which has helped him. However, he was part of the bunch that choked against Zimbabwe and is therefore directly responsible for Pakistan failing to make the semifinals.

To be fair, in T20s if you bat at no. 5 or below you will have more of failures than success. It is the impact innings that one can play should be the right measure of ability.

 

[Mamoon]

To be fair, in T20s if you bat at no. 5 or below you will have more of failures than success. It is the impact innings that one can play should be the right measure of ability.

Chasing 130 odd against Zimbabwe in a do or die situation is not an occasion to fail. The entire team needs to hang their heads in shame for losing that match. It was unforgivable and even worse than losing to Ireland in 2007 because that match took place in extremely bowling friendly conditions.

This match was on a normal wicket. It was a complete disaster.

 

[Suleiman]

He is how Misbah would’ve batted if he didn’t retire from t20s so early. Some Failures amidst some clean hitting esp vs spinners out of nowhere lol.

Misbah clearly sees his younger self when he looks at Ifti, I can see now why he backs him.

 

[angrypathan]

He is how Misbah would’ve batted if he didn’t retire from t20s so early. Some Failures amidst some clean hitting esp vs spinners out of nowhere lol.

Misbah clearly sees his younger self when he looks at Ifti, I can see now why he backs him.

I refuse to believe that they weren’t classmates

 

[MenInG]

Iftikhar Ahmed speaking to PCB

"The best way to answer critics is through your performances"

"Unfortunately the match against Zimbabwe went out of our hands due to which our fate in the World Cup is not that clear but we will make a 100% effor for our country and team and Inshallah we hope we can play in the Final"

 

[shokz1408]

man iftikhar ahmed sure has answered his critics. I was one of them, but damn he has gone to perform on the grandest stage of them all. Hope it’s written for us to make the semis and the final from here.

 

[Mamoon]

man iftikhar ahmed sure has answered his critics. I was one of them, but damn he has gone to perform on the grandest stage of them all. Hope it’s written for us to make the semis and the final from here.

It is not. The world doesn’t run on fairytales and 92 vibes.

India and South Africa will beat Zimbabwe and Netherlands and Pakistan will bow out and deservingly so.

It is exactly what Pakistan deserves after losing to Zimbabwe.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Biggest six of the tournament. This guy still got power at this age.

32 going on 70 :

 

[JAV12341]

Hope we can squeeze another 2 years out of him whilst we desperately look for new batting talent that can bat properly

 

[Kroll]

He is how Misbah would’ve batted if he didn’t retire from t20s so early. Some Failures amidst some clean hitting esp vs spinners out of nowhere lol.

Misbah clearly sees his younger self when he looks at Ifti, I can see now why he backs him.

Could be he sees his older self.

 

[Saj]

Ifthi at his best today.

Such a shame we don't see this type of innings more often from him for Pakistan.

 

[gazza619]

He has played with freedom in this World Cup which has helped him. However, he was part of the bunch that choked against Zimbabwe and is therefore directly responsible for Pakistan failing to make the semifinals.

It was an unlucky edge down the leg side against Zimbabwe. Can literally happen to anyone. Its not as if he got out playing an ugly irresponsible shot.

Chacha is in my good books now.

 

[asfandyar]

Don't push it mate. <30 average at <135 SR is below average.

 

[Rana]

Gwan Chacha

Cult following

He will forever be remembered and a loved celebrity in Pakistan

 

[mumtaz]

Basically he is a backfoot player a la Ijaz Ahmed and Sharjeel Khan. That's why he is primarily a bouncy pitch specialist. You don't see him driving too many balls off the fast bowlers, do you?

 

[ethan hunt]

He is an extremely underrated t20 bowler. Very very smart. Dare i say he would have bowled a better final over than Nawaz. Should bowl more often on wearing pitches vs lefties.

 

[MenInG]

Just hope he doesn't get carried away with the hype. Today he should have stayed on and finished the game.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

This is some unlikely redemption story. Imagine a 20 ball 50 in the Semi.. good Lord. Fully expect a duck

 

[ex-q-zit]

Ifti Wicket:

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[MenInG]

Iftikhar Ahmed 49 in T10 game.

 

[Caved12]

That innings against India in the last T20 world cup was unbelieveable. What a player

 

[Majestic_Inzi]

How old are you?

You let the team down in final, no courage, retire..

 

[MenInG]

In T10 game Bangla Tige:rs vs Northern Warriors

Iftikhar Ahmed (Bangla Tigers) joined Zazai but Zazai fell in the seventh over, brilliantly yorked by Udana for 37. His knock off 21 balls had four boundaries and two sixes.

 

[MenInG]

Monster innings by Iftikhar Ahmed!

83*(30) for Bangla Tigers vs Delhi Bulls

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[Rana]

He should just bat like this from ball 1 in T20

I recon he could be a beast as an opener or number 3

 

[Saj]

I still cannot work out why we don't see the real Iftikhar Ahmed in Pakistan colours very often.

Or is it a case of, we do see the real Iftikhar Ahmed in Pakistan colours?

 

[Rana]

I still cannot work out why we don't see the real Iftikhar Ahmed in Pakistan colours very often.

Or is it a case of, we do see the real Iftikhar Ahmed in Pakistan colours?

Iftikhar and Khushdil are too nervous or too worried about how to go about in international cricket. They are both good players if they just play with the nothing to lose attitude

 

[Saj]

Iftikhar and Khushdil are too nervous or too worried about how to go about in international cricket. They are both good players if they just play with the nothing to lose attitude

Not given the license to play like he can or not good enough at the international level?

 

[Savak]

I still cannot work out why we don't see the real Iftikhar Ahmed in Pakistan colours very often.

Or is it a case of, we do see the real Iftikhar Ahmed in Pakistan colours?

Iftikhar is only good on certain conditions and against certain bowlers. There is big jump between domestic and international cricketers. Also based on my observations, he is most effective when he has the license to hit out from ball one whereas when he has to consolidate and build an innings, he struggles and ends up playing too many dot balls, his defensive technique is not good enough to last long at the crease.

 

[Major]

I still cannot work out why we don't see the real Iftikhar Ahmed in Pakistan colours very often.

Or is it a case of, we do see the real Iftikhar Ahmed in Pakistan colours?

Watch him play and you will notice that alot of the times he gets out because he plays his shots on the back foot, and thus he often ends up fishing it to the keeper. I have seen him get out by edging it to the keeper.

He is a very good batsman, but he has weakness that gets exposed at international level.

 

[Rana]

Not given the license to play like he can or not good enough at the international level?

Khushdil is a good player. There is a good, dangerous player in there. If Shan Masood can come back and add scores (meaningless scores) and look ok, Khusdil most definitely can add proper performances.

 

[MenInG]

Iftikhar Ahmed:

"Due to hard work and training, I can play cricket continuously throughout the year, as it is my profession and I do not face any fitness problems"

"The fastest format, like the T10 league, also includes the most famous players in the world with great skills and ability, due to which there is a tendency to make tough competition between the teams and good cricket is being played"

 

[volcyz]

Nothing than more embarrassing than his performance in the t20 finals

 

[gazza619]

He should just bat like this from ball 1 in T20

I recon he could be a beast as an opener or number 3

Lol every Tom Dick & Harry is an international quality opener for you.

First Sharjeel, then Asif Ali and now Ifti. I suggest you put some more time in your thought process.