Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has busted a false derogatory remark about the Indian cricket team, stating a professional cricketer would never make such a statement.
Social media went abuzz with a false Iftikhar Ahmed’s quote, according to which he allegedly said, “Whenever we have a match against India, it feels like we are playing with street children.”
Consequently, Iftikhar called out the X user for spreading the false news and also urged the social networking site to take tough action against such deceptive profiles.
“I’ve been made aware of this statement which I’ve never made. In fact, no professional cricketer will make such a statement. Please stop circulating false news & report this individual for spreading hate. @X @elonmusk please ban this account as people are misusing the blue tick.”
I’ve been made aware of this statement which I’ve never made. In fact, no professional cricketer will make such a statement. Please stop circulating false news & report this individual for spreading hate.@X @elonmusk please ban this account as people are misusing the blue tick. https://t.co/dmgDEfM9jp pic.twitter.com/fExqNRa9Zk
— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiMania) August 16, 2023
Notably, Iftikhar Ahmed’s stint with Colombo Strikers in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 ended on Tuesday as his team failed to finish in the top four of the five-match tournament.
He, alongside captain Babar Azam and other players, who were participating in the league will now join the rest of the national squad in Hambantota today.
Notably, a number of cricketers from Pakistan’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023 departed for the Island nation.
Nine Pakistani players departed from Allama Iqbal International Airpot, Lahore this afternoon, including Abdullah Shafique, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf, M Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi.
Meanwhile, vice-captain Shadab Khan will fly from Karachi to join the team in Sri Lanka, whereas his fellow leg spinner Usama Mir, who was participating in The Hundred will join the team from the United Kingdom (UK).
Pakistan team is scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka on August 22, 24 and 26. The first two ODI will take place in Hambantota, while the third game will be played in Colombo.
The upcoming series is the first bilateral ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Before that, they played only four ODIs and Pakistan remained unbeaten in all.
Afterwards, the Pakistan team will Pakistan will face Nepal in the curtain raiser of the Asia Cup, starting on August 30 at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan’s Squad for the Afghanistan Series:
Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq
Middle order: Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir and Saud Shakeel
Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris
Spinners: Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir
Pace all-rounder: Faheem Ashraf
Pacers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi