Pakistan middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed had an unpleasant encounter with a fan who called him ‘chachu’ – a term commonly used in South Asian countries for uncle – during the second T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The latest video surprised many, including the fan who received an aggressive response from the right-handed batsman during the second match of the short format at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday.
A fan tried to calm him down by saying, “We are your fans”, to which Iftikhar replied, “Keep quiet”. He was on the field during the first inning when he had an unwanted experience with a fan.
It may be noted that the 33-year-old batsman, while talking, once expressed his opinion on hearing chants of ‘chachu’ from the audience saying that he felt bad at first but then he liked being called by the nickname.
The national cricket players of Pakistan have a very interesting thing about them because almost all of them have a nickname. Not only are cricketers called by these names, they are also commonly known by cricket fans.
Iftikhar was originally given the name for his appearance as he looks older than his age. However, fans now chant the name whenever a cricketer enters the field or hits a boundary to cheer him on.
He added that there was nothing wrong or offensive about being called “chachu” so he enjoyed it. “This crowd supports me and believe me wherever I go I get a lot of love,” the cricketer said.
However, the matter is said to have changed as seen in the recent video, or it could just be the heat of the moment during a tense situation during the match.
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New Zealand moved closer to a series win after beating Pakistan by 21 runs in the second T20I
The visitors struggled from the start in chasing the 195-run target, losing both their openers, Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub, in the first overs for just 10 runs.
After two early exits, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman brought the Green Shirts back into the game by putting on a formidable 87-run partnership that saw them 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) did not stay and help their side fight.
The Pakistani bowlers staged an excellent comeback in the match and managed to restrict the in-form Kiwis to 194 runs, a total they can chase.
Haris Rauf took three wickets in the 19th over to become Pakistan’s top scorer of the match. All the visiting bowlers, except captain Shaheen Afridi, picked up wickets.
