DUBAI: Karachi Kings’ batting all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed hopes his run-scoring will earn him more rewards sooner than later after spending a couple of years on the sidelines in international cricket.
The 28-year-old from Peshawar, a consistent run-getter at domestic level over the past several seasons, scored a match-winning 33 not out to help his side chase down a 134-run target against Lahore Qalandars in the HBL Pakistan Super League fixture here in Dubai last Thursday.
Iftikhar, who is also a handy off-spinner, took two for four in his two overs against the Qalandars to claim the man-of-the-match award.
Iftikhar, who has played one Test, two ODIs and a single Twenty20 International, hopes more chances at the top level will come his way.
“If you look at my record, I am among the three top scorers on the domestic circuit,” said Iftikhar. “My job is to perform and it’s the selectors’ job to select. I hope more rewards will come my way.”
The unassuming Iftikhar scored 351 runs in the 2016-17 National One-day Cup at an average of 58.50, while his tally in the 2017-18 One-day Cup was 236 at 59.00 in seven matches.
:I played one Test and batted only once,” said Iftikhar of the 2016 Oval Test which Pakistan won to draw the four-Test series at two-all. “I debuted in the Asia Cup that same year but didn’t get an opportunity to bat.
“For a player like me, there is first-class cricket and the PSL to perform while it’s the selectors’ job to select me.”
Iftikhar, meanwhile, stated the Kings can go on to finish among the top-four in the first phase.
“Our team is good. If our overseas batsmen get settled, then our bowling is good. So, we can finish in the top four,” he observed.
Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2019
