'Cricket is ruined because of you people', Iftikhar Ahmed blasts media post-defeat

Markhors' captain criticised media practices after a five-wicket loss to Panthers in Faisalabad.
News Desk | September 30, 2024

Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has heavily criticised the media following the UMT Markhors’ defeat in the Champions One-Day Cup final, accusing reporters of overhyping players after single domestic performances.

Iftikhar, who captained the Markhors in the tournament, voiced his frustration in a post-match interview after the Panthers secured a five-wicket victory at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

The Markhors posted a modest 123 in 33.4 overs, which the Panthers chased down in 18 overs.

"Cricket is ruined because of you people," Ahmed said, referring to the media.

"Please don’t hype players after one good innings. Let them prove their worth through consistent performances."

The all-rounder stressed the importance of long-term success in all three formats of the game before praising a player, warning that premature hype leads to unfair scrutiny when players falter on the international stage.

The Panthers’ bowling attack, led by Mohammad Hasnain, Arafat Minhas, and Sajid Khan, dismantled the Markhors, with each bowler taking three wickets.

Despite Fakhar Zaman’s 46-run effort, the Markhors fell well short of setting a competitive target. Shadab Khan’s Panthers chased the total with ease, securing the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup title.

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