Pakistan middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed has explained his decision to prioritize participation in the country's premier domestic tournament, the National T20, over the Abu Dhabi T10 League. 

Despite being signed by Bangla Tigers for the T10 League starting on December 28, the 33-year-old chose to play domestic cricket for the Peshawar region.

In a statement on the sidelines of the National T20, Iftikhar highlighted his commitment to paying respect to domestic cricketers and Pakistan by opting for the national competition. He emphasized that playing for Pakistan had earned him respect, and as a professional player, he felt it was important to honor the domestic cricket platform.

"I had a contract in the T10 league but I cancelled it to play here in domestic cricket. I have played for Pakistan after playing domestic cricket, and playing for Pakistan is what has earned me respect, so as a player and a professional, I should also pay respect to domestic cricketers and Pakistan (by playing here)," Iftikhar said.

The National T20 is currently ongoing at four venues in Karachi, featuring eighteen teams. The group stage games will conclude on November 28, followed by the Super Eight stage starting from December 1.

On the other hand, the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2023 will involve eight teams, including New York Strikers, Deccan Gladiators, Northern Warriors, Morrisville Samp Army, Delhi Bulls, Team Abu Dhabi, Chennai Braves, and Bangla Tigers. 

The tournament, which will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, will follow a round-robin format in the group stage, leading to the Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final.