Iftikhar Hussain

Iftikhar Hussain's journey in cricket began on the small island of Malta, where the sport was far from a national pastime. Born on 7th August 1991, Iftikhar wasn't surrounded by the vibrant cricket culture that envelops so many cricketers from the traditional powerhouses of the sport. Yet, he found his calling amidst echoes of seaside and ancient streets, inspired by broadcasts of pivotal matches and a handful of local enthusiasts who shared his passion.

Taking up cricket with the fervour of a devout, young Iftikhar spent countless hours perfecting his craft as a right-arm fast-medium bowler on makeshift pitches. His efforts bore fruit when he caught the eye of scout from Malta's national setup during a local tournament. In 2012, Iftikhar's relentless pursuit found its first reward—a position in the Maltese national cricket team.

His playing style is defined by precision and subtlety, a product of diligent work rather than raw pace. He is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, a skill that bamboozled many a batsman and often punched above expectations for a bowler from an emerging cricket nation. His prowess was on full display in the 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker for Malta, a feat which reverberated throughout cricket's associate circle.

Iftikhar has played in crucial matches that have carved out slots in Malta's cricketing folklore. Notably, the rivalry against Gibraltar has often brought out the best in him. In a memorable encounter in 2018, his five-wicket haul was instrumental in Malta snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, sealing his reputation as a game-changer.

Though batting down the order, Iftikhar is by no means a slouch with the bat. As a right-hand batsman, he's delivered when the chips were down, showcasing a tenacity that mirrors his bowling rhythm and control. His ability to contribute crucial runs in lower-order partnerships has often provided Malta the edge in tightly contested fixtures.

With each performance, Iftikhar Hussain not only strengthens his own legacy but also propels Maltese cricket into broader circles, exemplifying how passion and perseverance can elevate sporting ambition to exciting new heights.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats