Iftikhar Ahmed Blames Media as Panthers Dominate Markhors in Champions

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.”

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 meager 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.

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.