Iftikhar Ahmed has emerged as a sensation in Pakistan cricket, but his journey to stardom was unconventional. His early career in 2016 went unnoticed due to established players like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez. With limited opportunities, he managed only 8 runs in two matches.
However, Iftikhar didn’t give up and continued to perform well in domestic cricket. He got another chance, and though initially criticized as a 30-year-old newcomer, he made a name for himself in the Bangladesh Premier League, earning the nickname ‘Iftimania.’
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In 2023, he transformed from ‘Chacha’ to ‘Iftimania,’ impressing fans with his explosive batting. His T20 century and impressive performances in the T20 World Cup made him a crowd favorite. In the ongoing Asia Cup, he solidified his place as Pakistan’s main middle-order batter.
In 2023, he played seven ODIs, scoring 278 runs with a remarkable unbeaten century. His batting average soared to 92.66, showing newfound consistency. He also took 27 wickets, evolving from a peripheral figure in 2016 to a key contributor to Pakistan’s ODI team.
Iftikhar’s journey reflects resilience and determination, proving that age doesn’t limit talent and tenacity. He went from obscurity to ‘Iftimania,’ showcasing the unwavering spirit of cricket.
