Iftikhar Ahmed Archives

All-round Iftikhar powers KRL to victory on President’s Cup opening day

KARACHI: Veteran all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed starred in Khan Research Laboratories’ (KRL) seven-wicket victory over Sahir Associates on the opening day of the President Cup 2025-26.

KRL chased down a mere total of 130 runs here at the Naya Nazimabad Cricket Ground on Monday, thanks to a half-century from Shahzaib Khan.

The southpaw hit three sixes and two fours on his way to 59* from 80 balls. Skipper Iftikhar Ahmed also contributed with the bat, scoring 24 from 24 with the aid of a boundary and a six.

For Sahir Associates, Mohammad Suleman picked up two wickets, whereas Saad Bin Athar managed to scalp one.

Earlier, after opting to field first, KRL skittled Sahir Associates for 129 in 33.5 overs as Iftikhar Ahmed and Hamza Nazar shared six wickets between them.

Fahad Usman top-scored with 41 from 47 balls in an otherwise shambolic batting display. The right-hander hit two sixes and a four in his knock.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan Television (PTV), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) also emerged victorious in their respective matches played here on Monday.

SNGPL sealed a 166-run win over Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) on the back of maiden List A centuries by Saad Khan and Muhammad Awais Zafar.

While OGDCL outplayed the defending champion State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in a close contest, thanks to Mohammad Sarwar Afridi’s blazing 82 not out at the UBL Sports Complex.

Shamyl Hussain continued his rich Quaid-e-Azam Trophy form and hit a maiden List A century, steering PTV to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Ghani Glass at the Oval Academy Ground.

Shamyl hit eight fours and half a dozen maximums in his 112 not out off 87 balls, taking his team over the line in the 31st over.

For Ghani Glass, Noman Ali picked up 2-23 in eight overs.

READ: Babar Azam calls PSL ‘stepping stone’ for young players

Two Pakistan players join Delhi Bulls for Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025

The Delhi Bulls have bolstered their lineup with the addition of two Pakistani cricketers, including all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed, ahead of the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, set to take place from November 18 to 30.

The franchise confirmed the signings of Iftikhar and young pacer Ubaid Shah through its official social media channels.

For 19-year-old Ubaid Shah, this will be his first taste of international franchise cricket.

The right-arm quick, younger brother of Naseem Shah, impressed during his Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign for Multan Sultans, where he claimed 12 wickets in 11 matches.

Iftikhar Ahmed has played 66 international T20 matches for Pakistan, scoring nearly 1,000 runs at a strike rate of 129.10.

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The hard-hitting middle-order batter has become a reliable presence in short-format leagues worldwide. His experience spans the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Lanka Premier League (LPL).

Earlier, the Delhi Bulls had strengthened their pace department with the signings of Salman Irshad and Mir Hamza during the player draft held on October 19.

Elsewhere, the draft also saw Pakistani players making their mark across franchises.

Deccan Gladiators picked up spinner Usman Tariq, who recently starred in the CPL 2025 with 20 wickets in 10 games, and young pacer Ali Raza.

Meanwhile, Zaman Khan, Asif Ali, and Akif Javed will represent Ajman Titans, adding more Pakistani flavour to this year’s T10 spectacle.

READ: Abbas Afridi-led Pakistan squad lands in Hong Kong for Sixes tournament

Iftikhar’s effort in vain as Guyana crush Rangpur to clinch GSL 2025 title

PROVIDENCE: A fighting knock from Pakistan’s Iftikhar Ahmed went in vain as Guyana Amazon Warriors outclassed Rangpur Riders by 32 runs to lift the Global Super League (GSL) 2025 trophy on Friday.

Chasing a daunting target of 197, Rangpur Riders were bundled out for 164 in 19.5 overs despite Iftikhar’s counterattacking 46 off 29 balls.

The right-hander smashed four sixes and a boundary during his knock, keeping his side in the hunt after an early collapse left them reeling at 29-3.

Iftikhar stitched a crucial 73-run stand with Saif Hassan, who made 41 off 26 balls, but both fell in quick succession, and the Riders couldn’t recover.

Mahidul Islam Ankon chipped in with a quickfire 30 off 17, but the lower-order crumbled under pressure, with seven batters failing to reach double figures.

Dwaine Pretorius led the way with the ball for Guyana, grabbing 3-37, while Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie picked up two wickets apiece.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Guyana Amazon Warriors piled up 196-4 on the back of a brutal 121-run partnership between Johnson Charles and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Charles cracked 67 off 48 balls with 11 fours and a six before retiring hurt, while Gurbaz hammered 66 from just 38 deliveries, featuring six fours and four sixes.

Romario Shepherd provided the late fireworks with a blistering 28 off nine balls, including three sixes and a four, while Sherfane Rutherford added 19.

Rangpur’s bowling struggled to contain the onslaught, although Iftikhar was tidy with the ball as well, conceding only 12 runs in his two overs and picking up a wicket. Khaleel Ahmed and Tabraiz Shamsi also claimed a wicket each.

Gurbaz was named Player of the Match for his explosive half-century, while Imran Tahir, who took 14 wickets in the tournament, bagged the Player of the Tournament award.

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All-round Iftikhar Ahmed powers Rangpur Riders into GSL final

GUYANA: Iftikhar Ahmed’s all-round performance, followed by Saif Hassan’s hat-trick, helped Rangpur Riders defeat Dubai Capitals by eight runs to seal a spot in the final of the Global Super League (GSL) 2025 here at the Providence Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a partly 159-run target, Dubai Capitals innings folded on 150 in 19.2 overs.

Rangpur Riders bowled wreak havoc with the new ball, dismantling Dubai Capitals’ top-order as they were reduced to 28-3 inside five overs.

Kadeem Alleyne (1) was the one to go, bowled by Kyle Maylers while skipper Gulbadin Naib was sent packing for a golden duck. Niroshan Dickwella’s (9) short stay at the crease was ended by Saif Hasan.

After early hiccups, Sediqullah Atal partnered with Sanjay Krishnamurthi in a bid to steady Dubai Capitals in the chase. The duo added 48 48-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing the score to 76 at the halfway mark of the innings.

However, Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s wicket triggered a collapse that Dubai Capitals could not recover from. The right-hander’s 27 off 22 balls featured a four and a six.

Experienced Shakib Al Hasan (3) and top scorer Sediqullah Atal (38 off 31 balls) went in quick succession as Riders derailed Capitals’ chase.

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With 74 runs required from 42 balls, it was always a herculean task; however, Dominic Drakes and Jesse Bootan partnered for a quick-fire 30 runs to give their team some hope.

The stand culminated in the 16th over as Jesse Bootan (15 off 11 balls) was run out. Riders tightened the screws in the final overs, not before Qais Ahmed’s scare as they reduced Capitals to 130-8 in 17.3 overs.

With 28 required of 12 balls, Qais Ahmed struck two sixes and a four off his compatriot Azmatullah Omarzai’s 19th over before getting dismissed.

Dubai Capitals required 9 runs from 6 balls, but Dominic Drakes removed Ibrahim Zadran on the second ball of the over to seal Rangpur Riders a spot in the final.

For Ranpur Riders, Saif Hassan was the standout bowler, picking up three wickets. Khaled Ahmed scalped two while Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket.

Earlier, opting to bat first, Rangpur Riders posted 158-5 in their allocated 20 overs, thanks to Iftikhar Ahmed and Nurul Hasan’s unbeaten stand of 54 runs.

Iftikhar Ahmed struck three fours and two sixes on his way to 41* off 32 balls. Nurul 34* off 18 deliveries laced with the same amount of boundaries ensured that Ranpur Riders finished strong at the back end of the innings.

Iftikhar Ahmed was named as the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.

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GSL 2025: Iftikhar Ahmed stars as Rangpur Riders edge past Guyana Amazon Warriors

GUYANA: Pakistan’s seasoned all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed helped defending champions Rangpur Riders begin their Global Super League (GSL) 2025 campaign with a thrilling victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, skipper Nurul Hasan’s side posted a competitive 162 for 5 in their 20 overs.

Opening batter Soumya Sarkar anchored the innings with a patient 35 runs off 36 balls.

However, after his dismissal, Kyle Mayers, who came in to bat at number three, witnessed a collapse at the other end as the Riders slipped to 86 for 5.

Iftikhar then joined Mayers, and together they rescued Rangpur Riders with an unbeaten partnership of 76 runs from just 43 balls.

Mayers top-scored with 44* off 31 with the help of three boundaries and two sixes, while Iftikhar smashed an unbeaten 34 off just 21 deliveries, laced with two sixes and as many fours.

For the Amazon Warriors, veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie shared two wickets each, while South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius chipped in with one.

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In reply, the Imran Tahir-led Guyana side showed early promise but couldn’t cross the line, getting bowled out for 154 in 19.1 overs.

Johnson Charles top-scored with a fluent 40 off 28 balls, while Moeen Ali (27 off 18) and Sherfane Rutherford (19 off 13) kept the chase alive.

Pretorius and Jewel Andrew also chipped in with 14 runs each, but none of the other batters could capitalise.

Rangpur’s Khaled Ahmed was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 36 in a match-defining spell.

He was ably supported by Tabraiz Shamsi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who picked up two wickets each.

Iftikhar Ahmed also made an impact with the ball, taking the key wicket of Jewel Andrew in his only over.

Earlier in the day, the tournament kicked off with Dubai Capitals registering a 22-run win over New Zealand’s Central Districts in the opening fixture of GSL 2025.

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Three Pakistani players join Rangpur Riders for Global Super League 2025

Pakistan trio Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay are all set to feature for Rangpur Riders in the upcoming Guyana Global Super League (GSL) 2025, scheduled from July 10 to 18.

Iftikhar, who has already showcased his T20 prowess in the BPL and LPL, will bring valuable firepower to the middle order.

Akif adds left-arm pace depth, while Nafay, currently making waves as an emerging batting prospect, enters his second overseas league after two BPL stints.

Rangpur Riders staged a remarkable turnaround in the last season, recovering from three straight losses to win their next three and lift the inaugural GSL trophy.

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For 2025, the franchise has retained several key names, including captain Nurul Hasan Sohan, leading run-scorer Soumya Sarkar, and strike bowler Kamrul Islam Rabbi.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 13 players for various overseas leagues, with Khawaja Nafay already cleared for GSL participation.

NOCs for Iftikhar Ahmed and Akif Javed are expected shortly.

Meanwhile, Saud Shakeel will turn out for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Mohammad Nawaz and Sahibzada Farhan have been picked by the Hobart Hurricanes.

GSL 2025 Squads

Rangpur Riders: Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim Sheikh, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Ramanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo.

Hobart Hurricanes: Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammed Nawaz, Mohammed Nabi, Odean Smith.

READ: Australia drop struggling batter for first West Indies Test

Iftikhar Ahmed opens up on Multan Sultans’ struggles in PSL 10

Multan Sultans’ middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed has shared his thoughts on the team’s disappointing campaign in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The 2021 champions and the last three seasons’ runners-up had a dismal campaign, losing eight out of nine matches. They are currently languishing bottom of the table with only two points.

Multan Sultans failed with the bat and ball in the tournament, with poor fielding being particularly noticeable.

Their misery with the bat was evident in the match against Peshawar Zalmi, where they crumbled for 108 in 19.1 overs.

The defeat set an unwanted record for Multan Sultans as they became the only team in the tournament’s history to be bowled out for under 120 runs four times in a single season.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

While speaking on a private TV channel, Iftikhar Ahmed expressed disappointment over the quality of cricket, mentioning that they have been unable to perform as they did in previous years.

“We have lost eight matches out of nine. You have to play quality cricket in the PSL, which we have been playing for the past four years,” he said.

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“Look, if the team losses, then every aspect of its performance is highlighted. I believe that, in addition to fielding, we have not performed well in any area. We didn’t lose solely due to the fielding; it was due to overall lack of performance,” he added.

The right-handed batter emphasized the lack of power-hitting in this PSL, stating that extensive work is needed on this ability within a specific timeframe to achieve better results.

”If you work for a month with someone, this is not enough. Instead, we should create a schedule for at least six months dedicated to developing the power-hitting skills of players. This way, we can see significant improvements at the next level,” he concluded.

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‘Best option we have’: Pakistan all-rounder backs Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain

Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has defended Mohammad Rizwan, supporting the Multan Sultans captain to continue leading the ODI side despite the surrounding criticism.

Rizwan’s captaincy has faced intense criticism in recent weeks due to notable setbacks experienced by Pakistan under his leadership.

The team was eliminated from the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, followed by a disappointing white-ball tour to New Zealand.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

However, Iftikhar, known for his blunt remarks, does not believe the narrative that Rizwan’s time is over as Pakistan’s captain.

“For me, if you compare everywhere, I think Rizwan is the best option,” Iftikhar Ahmed said during a recent interview.

“It’s not because he’s my friend or because we both represent Multan Sultans. If you assess the available options with a performance lens, not a personal one, Rizwan still stands out — and more importantly, he has the ability to improve.”

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It’s worth noting that Rizwan’s track record in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) remains a strong argument in his favour.

Since taking over the reins of Multan Sultans, he has led them to four consecutive finals, including a title win in 2021 — a level of consistency few franchises have matched in recent PSL history.

That said, PSL 10 hasn’t started the way Multan fans would’ve hoped, with the team losing their first two matches.

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WATCH: Iftikhar Ahmed blames journalists for ‘ruining cricket’

FAISALABAD: Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed expressed his dissatisfaction with the media after the Champions One-Day Cup final here at Iqbal Stadium on Sunday.

Iftikhar, who led Markhors in the absence of regular captain Mohammad Rizwan, took out his frustration on the media personnel, blaming them for the downfall of cricket.

“Cricket is ruined because of you people,” Iftikhar Ahmed said, referring to the Pakistani media.

“Please don’t hype players after one good innings. Let them prove their worth through consistent performances,” the all-rounder added.

Iftikhar Ahmed then urged the media to stop comparing rising players with greats of the game and also to let them perform in all three formats.

“You hype someone after one innings, and then when he fails for Pakistan, you start questioning his selection. For God’s sake, let a player top in all three formats and then speak about him. You guys start saying that we have found the new Inzamam-ul-Haq and things like that.”

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Shadab Khan-led Panthers outclassed Markhors in a one-sided final to clinch the inaugural edition of the Champions One-Day Cup on Sunday.

Chasing a meagre 123-run target, Panthers’ captain Shadab Khan sealed the victory with a six off Shahnawaz Dahani on the last ball of the 18th over.

Panthers started the chase strongly with a 51-run opening stand between Umar Siddiq and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai.

For Markhors, Akif Javed and Mohammad Imran claimed two wickets each while Shahnawaz Dahani bagged one wicket.

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Markhors’ captain Iftikhar Ahmed opted to bat first in the final but his decision backfired as his side was bundled out on a meagre 122.

Experienced opener Fakhar Zaman remained the top-scorer for Markhors with a 49-ball 46, followed by young wicketkeeper batter Haseebullah Khan, who made a scratchy 27.

The rest of the Markhors’ batters failed against a ruthless Panthers’ bowling attack, jointly led by Mohammad Hasnain and Sajid Khan, who took three wickets each.

READ: Pakistan captain Masood backs players ahead of ‘crucial’ England Tests

Iftikhar Ahmed acknowledges need for Pakistan to adopt attacking mindset

All-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has highlighted the lack of an attacking mindset behind the Pakistan cricket team’s struggles in the recent past.

The Green Shirts have been under fire for the last one year, owing to their below-par performances in the multi-nation events.

Pakistan, under the captaincy of Babar Azam, were knocked out from the group stages of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 as well as the T20 World Cup 2024.

Moreover, recently the Green Shirts succumbed to a 2-0 loss in the two-match series against Bangladesh.

Iftikhar Ahmed, during a conversation on a YouTube channel, acknowledged the team’s recent struggles, while stressing the need to adopt an aggressive mindset.

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“Australia, England and India, in my opinion, have a mindset of playing attacking cricket whether they are batting or bowling, which is why they are so dominant,” said the 34-year all-rounder.

“In my opinion, the Pakistan team needs to adopt such attacking strategies in their play otherwise we will not be able to beat the bigger sides in world cricket,” he added.

Pakistan are set to host England for a three-match Test series against England, starting from October 7.

The three-match series will run from October 7 to 28 and is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.

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