Srinagar: Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has said that he has left lucrative T10 League Abu Dhabi contract to play in the Pakistan National T20, domestic tournament.
Iftikhar had signed by Bangla Tigers for the tournament, starting from December 28 but the batting all-rounder opted to play domestic cricket for Peshawar region.
“I had a contract in the T10 league but I cancelled it to play here in domestic cricket. I have played for Pakistan after playing domestic cricket, and playing for Pakistan is what has earned me respect, so as a player and a professional, I should also pay respect to domestic cricketers and Pakistan (by playing here),” Iftikhar said on the sidelines of National T20.
National T20 is currently underway at four venues across Karachi. Eighteen teams are participating in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Eight teams will take part in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2023, with every team part of the round-robin format in the group stage.
The names of the teams are New York Strikers, Deccan Gladiators, Northern Warriors, Morrisville Samp Army, Delhi Bulls, Team Abu Dhabi, Chennai Braves and Bangla Tigers.