Pakistani cricketer Iftikhar Ahmed has expressed his desire to bat higher in the batting order, stating that batting at No. 7 or 8 makes him feel like a "tailender" rather than an all-rounder.
Ahmed, who has played across all formats for Pakistan, feels his strengths lie at No. 4 or 5, a position traditionally occupied by all-rounders. In T20 internationals, Ahmed has batted at No. 7 or 8 eleven times across his 55 innings, leading to him questioning his role in the team.
This comes after several disappointing performances in recent internationals and the World T20 this year. With younger players emerging, critics have begun to question Ahmed's value to the national side.
Despite the criticism, Ahmed remains confident in his abilities and wants to prove himself in the upcoming Champions Cup tournament. He believes he has a lot to offer Pakistan and wants to leave a mark on the competition.
Ahmed also expressed confidence in the Pakistan team's overall quality and ability to bounce back in upcoming white-ball matches, including the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan later this year.