Recently, Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed made a startling and contentious remark on former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan. After expressing his wish to box Dhawan, the leg-spinner’s comment went viral and sparked reactions from fans in both countries.
Abrar’s admission came to light a few weeks after India defeated Pakistan handily in the 2025 Asia Cup final in Dubai. In the match, India defeated Pakistan by five wickets to win their ninth championship. A Pakistani YouTuber asked him who he would like to fight in a boxing ring—someone he is upset with—during an appearance on the channel. He selected up Dhawan’s name without thinking twice.
“Kaunsa aisa player ka duniya ka jo aap chahate hai ki apke saamne ho aur aap boxing karey, jispe bada gussa aata ho?” Who would you like to fight in a boxing match? “Who is the source of your anger?” the interviewer enquired.
“Main chahta hu ki main boxing karu aur khada Shikhar Dhawan ho saamne” (I want to box and want Shikhar Dhawan in front of me) was Abrar’s correct response.
Take a look at this video:
Abrar Ahmed had challenged Shikhar Dhawan to a BOXING match 🥊😂 pic.twitter.com/GjugKwpmYK
— Incognito Cricket (@Incognitocric) September 24, 2025
Supporters respond to Abrar’s remarks
On social media, the video clip of his statement became viral very fast. Given the intense cricket rivalry between the two countries, some people criticised the Pakistani cricketer for his choice of words, calling it rude and unwarranted. Others saw it as light-hearted teasing.
Shri Abrar Ji, a typical underfed Bhikharistani cricketing ‘hero’ wants to have ‘Shekhar’ Dhawan as a punching bag.
Don’t miss the happily cheering girl!
These Bhikharistanis’ razor-sharp focus on negative emotions is the reason why they are where they are!#JustSaying pic.twitter.com/140lvJmyRL— Harpreet (@CestMoiz) October 5, 2025
The debate also surrounded Abrar’s previous Asia Cup efforts, where he took six wickets in seven games on spin-friendly surfaces but was unable to contribute as Pakistan battled against India. His extravagant celebrations, which seemed aimed at India’s dugout, had already garnered media attention following his dismissal of Indian batsman Sanju Samson. Following India’s victory, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, all Indian cricket players, imitated his gesture. Arshdeep captioned his post, “No context.”
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