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'Cricket Ka Mahaul Kharab Ho Gaya Hai!': Iftikhar Ahmed Slams Pakistan Media For Toxic Environment 

Iftikhar Ahmed Snaps Back At Journalist [Source: Screengrab@grassrootscric/X.com]Iftikhar Ahmed Snaps Back At Journalist [Source: Screengrab@grassrootscric/X.com]

During a heated press conference after the Champions Cup final, Pakistan cricketer Iftikhar Ahmed expressed his frustration with the media. The Markhors' captain, clearly upset after his team’s loss to the Panthers, didn’t hold back when asked about the rising young talent seen in the tournament. His comments pointed to an ongoing issue where young players are overhyped, and when they don’t meet the high expectations, the backlash becomes overwhelming.

Iftikhar openly criticized the media for hyping up young cricketers after just one great performance. He stressed that one good innings shouldn't be enough to label someone a star. 

“Media ne kya dekh liya hai (what has the media observed)?” he said before adding, “I am not against anyone but don’t hype someone beyond reason after just one innings. Let the youngsters perform consistently in domestic cricket, let them succeed for two-three seasons and then talk about their prospects of representing Pakistan,” he further said.

He emphasized that consistent performances in domestic cricket across Test, One-Day, and T20 formats are crucial. Iftikhar Ahmed warned that this early praise often turns into harsh criticism when these players fail on the international stage.

The 34-year-old batter didn’t hesitate to blame the media for what he sees as a worsening cricket culture in Pakistan. 

“Media keeps talking about how ‘Pakistan has got another Inzamam (ul-haq). I just want people to respect domestic cricket first, let upcoming players succeed there across formats and then talk about their elevation to international cricket,” Iftikhar said.

“Aap logo ki wajah se cricket ka sara mahaul kharab ho gaya hai (You guys have ruined cricket in Pakistan). You hype someone beyond reason and then thrash them instantly,” he added.

Panthers Win the Champions Cup

Despite the post-match controversy, the Panthers claimed the Champions One-Day Cup, beating the Markhors by five wickets at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium. Chasing a target of 123, the Panthers finished the match in just 18 overs, securing a well-earned victory. However, the focus shifted to Iftikhar's comments, overshadowing Shadab Khan’s team's achievement.