Sports
Iftikhar Ahmed | Pakistan Cricket Player
Personal Information
| Full Name | Iftikhar Ahmed |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| Role | Batting All-Rounder |
Early Life and Background
Family Background:
Iftikhar Ahmed was born in Peshawar, Pakistan, into a Pashtun family. Growing up in a supportive environment, Iftikhar Ahmed was encouraged by his family to pursue his passion for cricket. His family played a significant role in his development as a cricketer, providing him with the necessary resources and moral support.
Education:
Iftikhar Ahmed completed his early education in Peshawar. While he was a diligent student, his heart was set on cricket from a young age. Balancing his studies with his cricket training, Iftikhar managed to excel in both areas, showing his determination and dedication.
Early Interest in Cricket:
Iftikhar’s interest in cricket began at a very young age. He was inspired by watching local matches and international cricket on television. His passion for the game led him to join local cricket clubs where he honed his skills. His early performances caught the attention of coaches, and he was soon on his way to making a name for himself in the cricketing circles of Peshawar.
Youth Career:
Iftikhar’s youth career was marked by impressive performances in various age-group tournaments. He represented Peshawar in Under-19 competitions and quickly became known for his powerful batting and effective off-spin bowling. His consistent performances at the youth level earned him a spot in regional teams, setting the stage for his professional career.
Domestic Career
Teams Played For:
Iftikhar Ahmed has played for several domestic teams throughout his career. Some of the notable teams include:
- Peshawar Panthers: Iftikhar Ahmed started his professional career with Peshawar Panthers.
- WAPDA: He played for the Water and Power Development Authority team.
- Karachi Kings: Iftikhar Ahmed played for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
- Peshawar Zalmi: Another PSL team he represented.
- Islamabad United: He had stints with Islamabad United in the PSL.
- Quetta Gladiators: Iftikhar Ahmed played for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.
- Multan Sultans: In 2024, he joined Multan Sultans in the PSL.
First-Class Debut:
Iftikhar Ahmed made his first-class debut for Peshawar in the 2010 season. His debut was marked by a solid performance, both with the bat and the ball, showcasing his potential as a valuable all-rounder.
List A Debut:
Iftikhar’s List A debut came shortly after his first-class debut. Playing for WAPDA, he made an immediate impact with his aggressive batting and reliable bowling.
Twenty20 Debut:
Iftikhar Ahmed made his Twenty20 debut in domestic cricket before being picked up by PSL teams. His ability to hit big shots and provide breakthroughs with his off-spin made him a sought-after player in the T20 format.
Notable Performances:
- 2017–18 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy: Leading run-scorer for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited with 735 runs.
- 2016–17 Regional One Day Cup Final: Scored 131 not out and took 3 wickets for 12 runs, earning the Man of the Match award.
- 2017 Pakistan Cup: Leading run-scorer for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 244 runs in four matches.
- 2018 Pakistan Cup: Scored 116 runs against Balochistan and was named Man of the Match.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament: 2021–22 National T20 Cup.
International Career
International Debut:
Test Debut:
Iftikhar Ahmed played his first Test match on August 11, 2016, against England. In his Test debut, Iftikhar Ahmed had a challenging outing. He batted at number six in the first innings and scored 4 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed by Moeen Ali. In the second innings, he scored 38 runs off 72 balls, providing some resistance but was eventually dismissed by Steven Finn. As a bowler, he bowled a total of 12 overs in the match, conceding 36 runs without taking a wicket. Despite his efforts, Pakistan lost the match by 141 runs.
ODI Debut:
Iftikhar Ahmed played his ODI debut match on November 13, 2015, against England. Iftikhar Ahmed made his ODI debut in the second match of the series. Batting at number seven, he scored 5 runs off 9 balls before being dismissed by Adil Rashid. He bowled 6 overs and conceded 27 runs without taking a wicket. Pakistan struggled in this match, losing to England by 95 runs.
T20I Debut:
Iftikhar Ahmed played his first Test match on March 4, 2016, against Sri Lanka. In his T20I debut during the Asia Cup, Iftikhar Ahmed batted at number six and scored 25 runs off 22 balls, including 3 boundaries. His efforts helped Pakistan reach a competitive total. As a bowler, he bowled 2 overs, conceding 13 runs without taking a wicket. Pakistan won this match by 6 wickets.
Major Achievements:
First ODI Century:
Iftikhar Ahmed scored his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka on October 2, 2019, in Karachi. His unbeaten 100 off 73 balls helped Pakistan secure a comfortable victory.
Five-Wicket Haul in ODIs:
Iftikhar Ahmed took 5/40 against Zimbabwe in November 2020.
Key Performances:
Match against Afghanistan (September 7, 2022):
- Batting: Iftikhar scored 30 runs off 33 balls, stabilizing the innings during a critical phase. His innings helped Pakistan inch closer to the target of 130 runs.
- Bowling: Iftikhar bowled 2 overs, conceding 18 runs without taking a wicket. Pakistan won this tense match by 1 wicket, securing their place in the final.
ODI against Zimbabwe:
His all-round performance (109* and 5/40) showcased his ability to influence games with both bat and ball.
Vital Knock in T20I against Australia
Played a crucial innings of 62 runs off 34 balls against Australia in a T20I match on November 8, 2019, in Canberra. Despite his efforts, Pakistan lost the match, but his performance was highly praised.
Records and Milestones:
Highest Partnership for the Eighth Wicket in T20Is:
Iftikhar Ahmed is part of the record for the highest partnership for the eighth wicket in T20 Internationals. This partnership was achieved with Mohammad Wasim Jr. during a match against South Africa on February 11, 2021, in Lahore. The duo added 61 runs for the eighth wicket, which is a significant record in T20I cricket.
Playing Style and Skills
Batting Style and Strengths:
Iftikhar Ahmed is a right-handed batsman known for his aggressive style. He excels in hitting big shots, particularly against spinners. His ability to play both defensive and aggressive shots makes him a versatile middle-order batsman.
Bowling Style and Specialties:
Iftikhar is a right-arm off-break bowler. He is known for his ability to break partnerships and contain runs in the middle overs. His bowling is characterized by accuracy and clever variations.
Fielding Abilities:
Iftikhar is a reliable fielder, often positioned in key areas like the slips or the inner circle. His quick reflexes and safe hands make him an asset in the field.
Signature Moves/Deliveries:
- Batting: Known for his powerful lofted shots over the infield.
- Bowling: Effective off-spin with a knack for taking crucial wickets at critical moments.
Stats and Records
Test Matches:
- Matches Played: 4
- Runs Scored: 61
- Batting Average: 12.20
- Centuries/Half-Centuries: 0/0
- Wickets Taken: 1
- Bowling Average: 161.00
- Best Bowling: 1/13
While Iftikhar Ahmed’s Test career is still in its early stages, his innings against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in 2019 is notable. In the first innings, he scored 27 runs off 48 balls, displaying resilience against a strong Australian bowling attack. Although he was unable to contribute significantly in the second innings, this performance highlighted his potential in the longest format of the game.
ODI Matches:
- Matches Played: 28
- Runs Scored: 614
- Batting Average: 38.37
- Centuries/Half-Centuries: 1/1
- Wickets Taken: 16
- Bowling Average: 46.37
- Best Bowling: 5/40
The match against Sri Lanka on 2nd October 2019 marked Iftikhar Ahmed’s maiden ODI century. Coming in at a challenging position, Iftikhar’s unbeaten 100 runs off 73 balls included 8 fours and 2 sixes. His aggressive batting helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 305/7 and eventually secure a 5-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. This innings not only demonstrated his ability to handle pressure but also his capacity to accelerate the scoring rate when needed.
T20I Matches:
- Matches Played: 65
- Runs Scored: 993
- Batting Average: 24.82
- Centuries/Half-Centuries: 0/4
- Wickets Taken: 8
- Bowling Average: 42.75
- Best Bowling: 3/24
In a challenging T20I against South Africa on February 11 2021, Iftikhar Ahmed played a crucial innings, scoring 61 runs off 40 balls. Coming in at a difficult position, he stabilized the innings and helped Pakistan recover to a competitive total. This partnership for the eighth wicket with Mohammad Wasim Jr., which set the record for the highest eighth-wicket partnership in T20Is, was instrumental in the match. His innings included 5 fours and 3 sixes, showcasing his ability to play aggressively under pressure.
Domestic and Other T20 Leagues:
Iftikhar Ahmed has played in various domestic leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His consistent performances in these leagues have made him a valuable player for any team. One of his most notable innings came while playing for Karachi Kings against Lahore Qalandars on February 8, 2020, where he scored 62* off 34 balls. His explosive batting in the middle order helped his team secure a vital win. Iftikhar has been instrumental in playoff matches. For example, in the PSL 2020 eliminator, he played a critical role for Karachi Kings, scoring 45* off 37 balls against Multan Sultans, which helped his team advance to the final.
Captaincy and Leadership
Captaincy Record:
Iftikhar has led various domestic teams and has shown strong leadership qualities. He captained Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to several victories and was pivotal in their title-winning campaigns.
Leadership Style:
Iftikhar’s leadership style is characterized by calmness and strategic thinking. He is known for his ability to motivate his teammates and make tactical decisions under pressure.
Notable Series Wins:
Under his captaincy, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully defended their title in the 2021–22 National T20 Cup, showcasing his effective leadership.
Off the Field
Personal Life:
Family:
Iftikhar Ahmed hails from a supportive Pashtun family in Peshawar, Pakistan. His family’s encouragement and support have played a significant role in his cricketing career. Growing up in Peshawar, a city known for producing talented cricketers, Iftikhar’s passion for the sport was nurtured from a young age. He also likes to spend time with his cricket friends like Mohammad Rizwan. He often share their pictures on social media.
Spouse/Partner:
Iftikhar is married and often shares glimpses of his family life on social media. His posts reflect a deep bond with his spouse and highlight the importance of family in his life. Despite his busy cricketing schedule, he ensures that he spends quality time with his wife, which he cherishes greatly.
Children:
Iftikhar Ahmed is a father to a son. He values the time he spends with his child and family, often sharing heartwarming moments with his son on social media. His role as a father is a significant part of his personal life, providing him with joy and motivation. He frequently posts pictures and videos that capture his affectionate moments with his son, emphasizing his dedication to his family.
Hobbies and Interests:
Apart from cricket, Iftikhar enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and spending time with his friends and family.
Philanthropy and Charity Work:
Iftikhar has been involved in various charity initiatives. He has built a cricket stadium in his home village to promote local talent and provide young cricketers with the facilities they need to develop their skills.
Controversies and Challenges
Major Controversies:
Iftikhar Ahmed, while known for his contributions on the cricket field, has also faced a few controversies throughout his career. Here are some notable incidents:
PSL 9 Code of Conduct Violation:
In the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, Iftikhar Ahmed was fined for using inappropriate language during a match. This incident highlighted the league’s strict stance on maintaining discipline and sportsmanship. The PSL disciplinary committee acted swiftly to impose the fine, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity of the game.
Heated Exchange with Jason Roy:
During a PSL match between Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans, Iftikhar Ahmed was involved in a heated exchange with English cricketer Jason Roy. The confrontation occurred after Roy’s dismissal, when he approached Iftikhar in frustration and exchanged heated words, eventually leading to Roy not reviewing his LBW decision in time. The incident drew significant attention, as it showcased the high emotions and tensions prevalent in competitive cricket.
Injuries:
Iftikhar Ahmed, the Pakistani cricket player, has had a pretty good career with only a couple of times when he got hurt and it affected how he played. One time he got hurt was in June 2020, when he was playing for Pakistan in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. We don’t know a lot about exactly what happened, but being in a strict bubble and playing a lot of matches can make players get minor injuries and not feel their best.
Comebacks:
Iftikhar Ahmed known for his middle-order batting and off-spin bowling, has experienced several comebacks throughout his career. His journey in international cricket has been marked by multiple returns to the national team after being dropped.
Initially, Iftikhar made his ODI debut in 2015 but was out of the team after a few matches. He was overlooked for four years until he made a significant comeback after the 2019 World Cup. This period saw Pakistan exploring other options, but a shake-up brought Iftikhar back into the fold, where he capitalized on the opportunities given to him
Legacy and Impact
Impact on the Game:
Iftikhar Ahmed has made a significant impact on Pakistani cricket through his all-round performances. He is admired for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Inspirations and Mentorship:
Iftikhar often speaks about his inspirations, including legendary Pakistani cricketers. He is also known to mentor young cricketers, sharing his experience and knowledge to help them improve.
Quotes by/from Player:
- “Cricket is not just a game for me; it’s my passion and my life.”
- “Every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback.”
Media and Endorsements
Media Appearances:
Iftikhar frequently appears in media interviews, sharing insights about his career and experiences. He is also active on social media, engaging with fans and sharing updates about his life. Iftikhar Ahmed has become a notable figure in the media, frequently participating in interviews where he shares insights about his cricket career and personal experiences. His significant rise in popularity, especially after his stellar performances in various tournaments, has made him a sought-after personality in cricket media. A notable instance of his media presence was his transformation from being mocked as “Chacha” to gaining immense popularity as “Iftimania” due to his impressive performances in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Endorsements:
Iftikhar Ahmed has secured endorsements with several brands, leveraging his popularity and consistent performance in cricket. One notable endorsement is with MB Malik, a sports equipment company known for producing high-quality cricket gear. His association with MB Malik highlights his status as a reputable and influential cricketer. Besides MB Malik, Iftikhar is involved with local businesses and other sponsorship deals, which enhance his visibility and marketability as a professional athlete.
Future Plans
Post-Retirement Plans:
Iftikhar Ahmed has expressed interest in staying connected to cricket after retirement. He plans to get involved in coaching and mentoring young cricketers to give back to the sport that has given him so much.
Involvement in Cricket Post-Retirement:
Iftikhar Ahmed aims to work with cricket academies and take on coaching roles to help develop the next generation of Pakistani cricketers. His vision includes promoting cricket in rural areas and providing opportunities for young talents to shine.
