Babar ‘embarrassed' yet 'happy’ for making Iftikhar known as ‘Chacha’

Babar Azam revealed of having coined the 'Chacha' nickname for Iftikhar Ahmad and the Pakistan captain praised the middle-order batter after his unbeaten 72-ball 95 went in vain during Pakistan's 47-run loss against New Zealand in fifth and final ODI in Karachi on Sunday.

From 66 for four while chasing 300, it was Iftikhar who attempted to stage a turnaround and was aided by Agha Salman. The duo stitched 97 runs for the fifth wicket but the visitors, however, held their nerves and avoided a whitewash. 

Iftikhar, who had featured for Fortune Barishal in the Bangladesh Premier League's (BPL) last season and played a few impactful knocks, eventually ran out of partners and missed out on his maiden hundred in the format as well.    

"He gave some brilliant performances in T20 cricket and today he took the game deep alone but unfortunately, he didn't get support from the other end," said Babar during the post-match presser yesterday. 

The Pakistan skipper, who displayed a stellar form with the bat in the series with two fifties and a century, went on to reveal that 'Chacha' (paternal uncle) nickname was given by him.

"Sometimes, I feel embarrassed that due to me, Iftikhar is now known as 'Chacha' but I am happy that people enjoy it," Babar admitted.