Watch: Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed sledged former Pakistan batter Asad Shafiq after dismissing him in the 12th match of the 2024 Sindh Premier League yesterday (January 31).

Playing for Karachi Ghazis in the inaugural edition of the Sindh Premier League, Iftikhar Ahmed got into a tussle with former Pakistan middle-order batter Asad Shafiq, representing Larkana Challengers.

Batting first, Karachi Ghazis scored 160 from their 20 overs. Iftikhar top-scored with a 43-ball 69 batting at No.5. His knock included five fours and five sixes as he batted with a strike rate of 160.

He wasn’t done contributing, however. In the second innings, Ahmed shone through with the ball in hand as well. He bowled three overs for 28 runs and took three wickets.

One of those wickets was of Shafiq, who fell for 12 off nine balls in the eighth over. Following the dismissal, Iftikhar gave Shafiq an extended send-off, requiring his teammates to calm him down.

Shafiq’s was the fifth wicket to fall as Larkana Challengers collapsed after that to get bowled out for 92 and lose the match by 68 runs.

After the match, Ahmed took to X (Twitter) to issue an apology to Shafiq for his behaviour. “I am extremely apologetic for my behaviour in the field today,” Ahmed said.

“I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did in the heat of the moment. I’ve apologised to @asadshafiq1986 Bhai in person after the match & have always held great regards for him. We have played a lot of cricket together.”

I am extremely apologetic for my behaviour in the field today. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did in the heat of the moment. I’ve apologised to @asadshafiq1986 Bhai in person after the match & have always held great regards for him. We have played a lot of cricket together.

— Iftikhar Ahmad (@IftiMania) January 31, 2024

The 38-year-old Shafiq last played for Pakistan in 2020 and is a senior to the 33-year-old Iftikhar. They played three Test matches together for Pakistan.

Watch Iftikhar Ahmed give a fuming send off to Asad Shafiq in a Sindh Premier League match:

Ifti bhaii ka selector Asad Shafiq se panga 😊😊pic.twitter.com/bzOHwwtI5F

— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) January 31, 2024

Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.