Pakistan middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed has revealed the reasons behind participating in the National T20 Cup, the country's top domestic tournament, rather than the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

Pakistan middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed has explained the reason for participating in the country's premier domestic tournament, the National T20, rather than the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

The 33-year-old was signed by the Bangla Tigers for the tournament starting December 28, but the batting all-rounder opted to play domestic cricket for the Peshawar region.

In a statement on the sidelines of the National T20, Iftikhar stressed his commitment to show respect to local cricketers and Pakistan by opting for the domestic competition. He stressed that playing for Pakistan earned him respect and as a professional player, it was important for him to appreciate the domestic cricket platform.

“I had a contract in the T10 league but I canceled it to play domestic cricket here. I played for Pakistan after playing domestic cricket and playing for Pakistan earned me respect, so as a player and professional "I should also give respect to domestic cricketers and Pakistan (by playing here)," Iftikhar said .

There are eight teams taking part in the 2023 Abu Dhabi T10 League, each taking part in the group stage of the round-robin format. All tournament matches are scheduled to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The National T20 is now in full swing at four venues in Karachi with eighteen teams participating. The current group stage games are expected to end on November 28th, and the Super Eight phase is scheduled to begin on December 1st.