Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed recently made a controversial and shocking comment about former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan. The leg-spinner expressed his
desire to box Dhawan, a remark that has since gone viral, drawing reactions from fans across both nations.
Abrar’s revelation surfaced just weeks after India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup final in Dubai. The clash saw India secure their ninth title, defeating Pakistan by five wickets. During an appearance on a Pakistani YouTube channel, he was asked which player he would like to face in a boxing ring, someone he feels angry at. Without hesitation, he picked Dhawan's name.
“Kaunsa aisa player hai duniya ka jo aap chahate hai ki apke saamne ho aur aap boxing karey, jispe bada gussa aata ho?” (Whom do you want to face in a boxing match? Who makes you angry?)," the interviewer asked.
Abrar replied, “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)."
Watch the video below:
Abrar Ahmed had challenged Shikhar Dhawan to a BOXING match 🥊😂 pic.twitter.com/GjugKwpmYK
— Incognito Cricket (@Incognitocric) September 24, 2025
Fans react to Abrar's comments
The video clip of his response quickly went viral on social media. While some interpreted it as banter, others slammed the Pakistani cricketer for his choice of words, calling it disrespectful and unnecessary, especially considering the heated cricketing rivalry between the two nations.
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
I bet isko boxing tak kee Spelling nahi aati hogi
— RUC×H (@deAtHx__00) September 24, 2025
2 punch me knock kar dega gabbar
— Shreyanshi 🦋 (@thenick_7) September 24, 2025
Meanwhile, Abrar’s recent performances in the Asia Cup were also discussed in the aftermath of the controversy as he managed six wickets in seven matches on spin-friendly tracks but couldn’t make an impact as Pakistan struggled against India. His over-the-top celebrations after dismissing Indian batter Sanju Samson, which appeared directed toward India’s dugout, had already made headlines. Indian cricketers Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana mimicked his gesture after India’s win, with Arshdeep captioning his post “No context.”
