Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed added that Shaheen Shah Afridi’s injury proved to be the difference between their side and England in the T20 World Cup final last year. Pakistan had set a target of just 138 for England to win the title. However, their pace bowlers made life difficult for England as well. It needed another special knock from their veteran all-rounder Ben Sokes to make sure that they went over the line with an over in hand.
And, an injury to Shaheen forced Pakistan captain Babar Azam to pick Iftikhar for his off-spin and the move didn’t work out as that over gave England the momentum they needed in the chase as well. In an exclusive interview with Cricwick, Iftikhar Ahmed explained,
READ MORE: Sanjay Manjrekar dissects Virat Kohli’s poor show in WTC Final
“I believe had Shaheen not injured himself, we would have won the T20 World Cup. It was a tricky pitch and seamers were getting help. It wasn’t a spinner’s pitch, but I had to bowl because we had no option. These are just false talks that Pakistan batters can’t play spinners. If we don’t play spinners well, then who will play? Will Australia, England, or New Zealand play? We have grown up playing on spin-friendly wickets and have played in Bangladesh and Dubai where you get spin from the first over. I feel Pakistan batters are best players of spin.”
However, Iftikhar Ahmed has played quite a few games under Babar Azam and applauded him for leading by example. The veteran also spoke about how Babar Azam believes in clarity in the dressing room. Notably, Pakistan will take on India in a highly-anticipated Asia Cup match to be played in Kandy on September 2.
READ MORE: Harbhajan Singh says Australia have the upperhand in the WTC final
“Babar Azam as a captain is as big as he is a player. He himself leads by example by playing fearless cricket and also urges his teammates to play fearlessly. He has told the players to talk to him openly about whatever is bothering them and he tries to solve it. He has always supported the players,” he concluded.
