Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed has once again made headlines, but this time not for his bowling, instead for an unexpected challenge. The leg-spinner called out former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan for a boxing match, a statement that went viral and set social media on fire.
Abrar Ahmed remarked on a recent appearance on a Pakistani YouTube show. In a lighthearted segment, he was asked which cricketer he would want to face in a boxing ring. Without hesitation, he said, “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).
Bsdk Abrar Ahmed Aukaat dekh kar baat Kiya kar, maarke jameen me 10 foot gaadh dega tujhe shikhar Dhawan pic.twitter.com/IUU6MDHeiC
— Ritik (@ThenNowForeve) October 4, 2025
His answer, though playful, has added more spice to the ever-heated India-Pakistan rivalry — both on and off the field.
Fans React: Fun Banter or Unnecessary Provocation?
The video quickly spread across X, Instagram, and cricket forums. Fans from both nations shared their thoughts — some laughing it off, while others called it disrespectful.
Many Indian fans viewed it as needless provocation, especially after Pakistan’s defeat to India in the recent Asia Cup 2025 Final in Dubai. India, chasing 147, won dramatically, with Tilak Varma scoring an unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube adding 33 runs. Pakistan, who were cruising at 113/1, collapsed to 146 all out — thanks to Kuldeep Yadav’s 4/30 spell.
Abrar Ahmed took 1/29 in his four overs and dismissed Sanju Samson, celebrating with his signature hand gesture — one that seemed directed at the Indian dugout.
Indian Players Fire Back with a Gesture
After the match, Indian players Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana were seen mocking Abrar’s celebration. Arshdeep even posted the clip online with the caption, “No context.” The post went viral within hours, further fueling fan debates.
Shikhar Dhawan Stays Silent, Fans Take Over the Ring
Shikhar Dhawan, now 39 and retired from international cricket, has not responded to the challenge. Known for his calm nature and smile, Dhawan continues to work in broadcasting and mentoring young cricketers. He ended his career as one of India’s most dependable white-ball players, scoring 6793 ODI runs and 1759 T20I runs.
Fans, however, wasted no time. They created parody posters of a fictional fight — “Dhawan vs Abrar: The Boxing Bout of the Year” — and filled social media with memes.
India-Pakistan Rivalry
Abrar’s challenge may have been in jest, but it once again proves how the India-Pakistan rivalry extends beyond cricket. Even a single comment can spark headlines and online wars between fans.
As cricket between the two countries remains rare, moments like these — whether serious or playful — remind everyone that the emotional rivalry never truly leaves the field.
