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Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has apologised to Asad Shafiq for the ugly verbal spat during a Sindh Premier League T20 match between Karachi Ghazi and Larkana Challengers.
Iftikhar gave a send-off to Shafiq after dismissing him. The two were involved in an ugly spat as Iftikhar signalled to the dressing room after getting the wicket. Shafiq replied and started walking towards his former national teammate.
The umpires and Karachi Ghazi players intervened and prevented the spat from accelerating further. Shafiq returned to the dressing room after scoring 12 runs from nine fours featuring a four and a six each.
The video of the spat went viral on social media and Iftikhar was on the receiving end of the criticism.
Iftikhar wrote a post on X apologising to the opposition team captain Shafiq. He also mentioned that he realised his mistake and apologised after the match itself.
“I am extremely apologetic for my behaviour in the field today. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did in the heat of the moment. I’ve apologised to @asadshafiq1986 Bhai in person after the match & have always held great regards for him. We have played a lot of cricket together,” the 33-year-old posted on X.
Iftikhar was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round performance. First, he scored 69 runs from 43 balls including five fours and as many sixes. His knock helped Karachi Ghazi post 160 on the board. Iftikhar picked up three wickets from three overs he bowled as Larkana Challengers were bundled out for 92. Karachi Ghazi won the match by 68 runs.
Recently, Iftikhar struggled in the five-T20I series against New Zealand. He managed to score just 44 runs from five innings. He bowled in just one match and picked up three wickets.
He has been on the receiving end of criticism. He made headlines for his on-field behaviour as he retaliated to a fan calling him ‘Chachu’ repeatedly. The veteran all-rounder will have a chance to prove himself in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
On the other hand, Shafiq in December 2023 announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
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