Iftikhar Ahmed: “I am a professional player, and I plan to play for Pakistan. I want to be the best all-rounder… so that I can make a comeback into the Pakistan team”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan big-hitting all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has declared his ambition to earn his way back into the national side by establishing himself as the country’s premier all-rounder.
The 36-year-old last played international cricket at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, but has been active on the domestic circuit.
He recently featured in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he amassed 62 runs in 10 matches for the Peshawar Zalmi at an average of 62 and a strike-rate of 172.22.
With the ball, he claimed 12 wickets at an average of 19.75 and an economy rate of 7.60.
“I am a professional player, and I plan to play for Pakistan. I want to be the best all-rounder… so that I can make a comeback into the Pakistan team,” he was quoted as saying by A Sports.
Iftikhar also confirmed he has had no contact with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and trusts his performances to do the talking for him.
“There has been no contact with Mike Hesson. If I perform, everyone will see it. Performances are not hidden,” he said.
Pakistan are currently taking on England in a three-Test series, but find themselves trailing 2-0 heading into the 3rd Test in Birmingham on September 9.
Having already lost the series, they made major changes for the 3rd Test, sending seven players home and bringing in seven more, including five who have yet to make their debut in the longest format.
Additionally, red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were sacked and replaced by Hesson and limited overs bowling coach Ashley Noffke.
Pakistan Squad for 3rd Test against England in Birmingham: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ubaid Shah