33-year-old batsman responds aggressively to spectator during Pakistan and New Zealand second T20I match
Pakistan's middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed had an unpleasant encounter with a fan who called him 'chachu' (the term is commonly used in South Asian countries to refer to uncle) during the second T20I between Pakistan and New Zeeland.
The latest video surprised many, including the fan who received an aggressive response from the right-hand batsman during the second short format match at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Sunday.
The fan tried to calm him down by saying, “We are your fans,” to which Iftikhar replied, “Keep quiet.” He was fielding during the first innings when he had an unwanted experience with a fan.
speaking to Geographic newsThe 33-year-old batsman expressed his opinion upon hearing “chachu” chants from the spectators, saying that he felt bad for the first time but then enjoyed being called by that nickname.
Pakistan's national cricketers have something very interesting: almost everyone has a nickname. Not only do cricketers call each other by these names, but they are also commonly known by cricket fans.
Iftikhar was initially named for his appearance as he looks older than his age. However, fans now chant this name whenever the cricketer steps on the field or hits a boundary, to cheer him on.
He added that being called “chachu” was not a bad or abusive thing so he enjoyed it. “This crowd supports me and believe me, wherever I go, I get a lot of love,” the cricketer said.
However, things have supposedly changed as seen in the new video or it could just be the heat of the moment during a tense situation during the match.
New Zealand came closer to winning the series after defeating Pakistan in the second T20I match by 21 runs.
The visitors struggled in chasing the target of 195 runs from the start as they lost their openers Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub in the first overs for just 10 runs.
After two early outs, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman brought the Green Shirts back into the game forming a formidable 87-run partnership that saw the latter complete a well-deserved half-century in 24 balls with the help of five sixes and three fours. .
Iftikhar Ahmed (4 off 8), Azam Khan (2 off 3) and Aamer Jamal (9 off 8) failed to stay and help their team put up a fight.
The Pakistani bowlers made an excellent comeback in the match and managed to limit the in-form Kiwis to 194 runs, a total they can chase.
Haris Rauf took three wickets in the 19th over and became Pakistan's best carry of the match. All the visiting bowlers, except captain Shaheen Afridi, picked up wickets.
