Shoaib Malik request selectors to include Iftikhar Ahmed in ODI side

Veteran all-rounder, Shoaib Malik, has requested the Pakistan’s selection committee to include right-hand batsman, Iftikhar Ahmed, in the men’s ODI side.

Iftikhar was in rich vein of form in the recently-concluded Bangladesh Premier League, hitting his maiden T20 century. The right-hand batsman also smashed left-arm pacer, Wahab Riaz, for six sixes in an over recently in an exhibition match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators in Quetta.

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While talking in a post-match press conference on Tuesday, the all-rounder said that Iftikhar can be a vital member of Pakistan’s ODI side in the upcoming 2023 World Cup in India.

"I want to take this opportunity to request that Iftikhar Ahmed should be part of Pakistan’s ODI team. The ODI World Cup is just round the corner and I have seen him play, he is playing really good cricket. The position at which he plays, we need a batsman like him at that position in ODIs.

Malik also clarified that he has no intentions of returning to the longer formats of the game and he is enjoying playing the shortest format.

"I want to clarify that I have taken retirement from Test and ODI cricket. I have no focus on those formats," he clarified.

"I am still available in T20 format and my job is to perform. I want to play for Pakistan again, but I don’t have expectations from anyone. I want to score 15000 runs in T20s before I retire. Till then I want to enjoy playing cricket," he added.