Pakistan middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed made a humorous request to fans ahead of the upcoming three-match T20I series against the Irish national cricket team. Iftikhar Ahmed urged fans of the Pakistan team to stop addressing him as “Chacha” and instead prefer to be addressed by his name.
Iftikhar Ahmed, known for his cheerful charisma, plays an important role in Pakistan’s batting line-up in the shortest format of the game. Players lovingly tease him and refer to him as “Chahu” or “Chacha” due to his seniority. The batsman will play a crucial role for Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
I don’t have an uncle – Iftikhar Ahmed
– Doodle (@roodledoodlee) May 5, 2024
Iftikhar Ahmed shared a humorous moment during a press interaction. Iftikhar jokingly asked reporters not to address him as “Chacha”, saying he was not an uncle but a little boy.
“Mai chacha nahi hu, young Ladka hu (I am not an uncle, I am a little boy”) Iftikhar told the reporter, leaving others in excitement.
Iftikhar had a memorable performance during Pakistan’s recent T20I series against a New Zealand second division team. The right-handed batsman scored 31 runs in four innings at an average of 15.50 and a disappointing strike rate of 100. He managed to pick up one wicket as Pakistan drew the series 2-2.
Iftikhar Ahmed has represented Pakistan in 59 T20I matches and scored 889 runs at an average of 24.69 and a strike rate of 127.73. He hit four fifties with a best of 56. He has taken 8 wickets at an average of 41.50 and an economy rate of 7.04, with the best bowling figures being 3/24.
Babar Azam said you are Chacha-e-Cricket – Iftikhar Ahmed
The 33-year-old previously revealed that his nickname came about during a game in Zimbabwe. Ahmed stated that he suggested a change of field to Babar Azam, which proved successful. Azam then called him “Chacha-e-Cricket” for his knowledge of cricket.
“Look, this is made by the people and like I said, I don’t care much about what people say. There’s a little story behind it and it happened in Zimbabwe when I was bowling and Taylor (Brendan) was batting and I got some spin. I asked Babar to remove midwicket and place square leg deep because if he wants to hit the ball through midwicket, there is spin and he can get to square leg.
“Babar said he would hit you for a six and I told him it was just a toss, not much would happen. He later changed fielders and when Taylor scored on the following shot it went straight to square leg and he was out.”
“Babar was happy and said you are Chacha-e-Cricket because you are so sharp and it was picked up by the stump microphones and when I returned to my room everyone was saying Chacha-e-Cricket, Chacha-e-Cricket and I couldn’t understand why this was happening and why people were saying this.”
Pakistan cricket team led by Babar Azam will play a three-match T20I series against Ireland from May 10-14. It will then play a four-match series against England to enhance its preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The series against England begins at Headingley, followed by games at Edgbaston, Cardiff and The Oval. Both the England and Pakistan teams are considered strong contenders for the coveted T20 World Cup title in West Indies.
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