Star Pakistan cricketer joins Guyana Amazon Warriors for CPL 2025

He has been brought in as a temporary replacement for Hassan Khan, who will miss the team's first three matches

PHOTO: AP

Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed is set to make his debut in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after signing with the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2025 season, which begins on August 14.

The 34-year-old has been brought in as a temporary replacement for Hassan Khan, who will miss the team's first three matches.

Iftikhar brings valuable experience to the squad, having played in several franchise leagues around the world. He has featured in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), and Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In the BPL, he has scored 656 runs in 23 matches at a strong strike rate of 136.95, including a century and four fifties. However, his LPL record is modest, with only 82 runs from 11 games at a strike rate of 73.21.

In the PSL, the right-handed batter has played 78 matches, scoring 1,134 runs at a strike rate of 132.01, including five half-centuries. He has also taken 13 wickets with his off-spin.

On the international stage, Iftikhar has played 66 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring 998 runs at a strike rate of 129.10 and registering four fifties.

Meanwhile, fellow Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah is also returning to the CPL. He has been signed by the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots as a replacement for South Africa's Corbin Bosch. Naseem previously played for the Patriots in 2021, picking up six wickets in seven games with an economy rate of 7.68. He played a key role in their title win, taking 2/26 in the final.

However, Naseem’s availability this season is uncertain due to national commitments. He is part of Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, and he may also feature in the tri-nation series with Afghanistan and the UAE, as well as the Asia Cup 2025 in September.

Several other Pakistani cricketers will also take part in CPL 2025. Mohammad Amir, who has already played for three CPL teams, will join Trinbago Knight Riders—his fourth side in the league. Amir has taken 51 wickets in 39 matches, with an impressive average of 18.09.

Usman Tariq, a young spinner who made a mark in PSL 2024 and 2025, will make his CPL debut for Trinbago Knight Riders.

All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz will also play in the CPL for the first time, having been picked by the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Veteran all-rounder Imad Wasim has been re-signed by the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, returning to the team after being released earlier ahead of the draft.

Pakistan players in CPL 2025: