“I want to punch him…”: Newlywed Pakistan bowler Abrar Ahmed issues boxing challenge to legendary India batter Shikhar Dhawan

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Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has stirred a fresh social media storm with his unexpected remark involving Indian cricket star. In a candid interview on a Pakistani YouTube channel, the 27-year-old was asked which player he would want to face inside a boxing ring.

Responding with a smile, Abrar said that he would want Shikhar Dhawan to be standing opposite him, adding that he’d like to box against the veteran Indian opener. Though said in a seemingly humorous tone, the statement — “Main chahta hu ki main boxing karu aur khada Shikhar Dhawan ho saamne” — quickly went viral across cricket communities in both nations.

Within hours of the video surfacing online, fans from India and Pakistan began debating the intent behind Abrar’s words. Some found the comment lighthearted, referring to it as part of friendly banter, while others criticized it as unnecessary provocation, especially considering the sensitive rivalry between the two cricketing nations.

Abrar recently featured for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, where India dominated their traditional rivals with three consecutive victories, including the tournament final. Given the competitive and emotionally charged nature of the matches, Abrar’s interview resurfaced old memories of heated on-field gestures and social media exchanges that followed the final.

Pak cricketer Abrar says he wants to have 'Shekhar' Dhawan @SDhawan25 as his punching bag.

— Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) October 5, 2025

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In the Asia Cup final held in Dubai, India clinched their ninth continental crown with a thrilling five-wicket win. Chasing 147, India recovered from early trouble at 20/3, thanks to Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube’s crucial 33-run contribution. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered a dramatic collapse from 113/1 to 146 all out, with left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav claiming 4/30 to dismantle their batting order.

Ahmed managed one wicket for 29 runs but drew attention after celebrating Sanju Samson’s dismissal with his signature gesture aimed toward India’s dugout — a moment that Indian players later humorously imitated after sealing the title. Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana replicated Abrar’s celebration, with Arshdeep sharing the clip on social media captioned “No context,” which sparked widespread laughter and friendly banter.

As the Pakistan spinner’s comment on Dhawan circulated, several cricket fans pointed out the timing of the remark, linking it to the recent intense India-Pakistan contests. Dhawan, who last represented India in early 2024, has transitioned into commentary and media work, earning praise for his wit and charisma. Although the veteran batter has not responded publicly, supporters expect a humorous reaction given his lively personality.

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