Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed stirred controversy during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against India after giving an intense send-off to Shubman Gill. The gesture attracted criticism, with former cricketer Wasim Akram strongly disapproving of his behavior.
Despite Pakistan’s defeat in the match, Abrar remained in the spotlight due to his on-field actions. Addressing the incident, he defended his reaction, calling it his personal style of celebrating wickets. He further stated that no match official found his actions inappropriate, but he apologized if his gesture offended anyone.
Abrar’s Exchange with Virat Kohli
Apart from the send-off incident, Abrar revealed an interesting interaction with Virat Kohli during the game. The young spinner expressed his long-standing admiration for the Indian cricket legend and admitted that bowling to Kohli had been a childhood dream. During the match, Abrar took the opportunity to challenge Kohli, playfully asking him to hit a six.
However, Kohli remained composed and did not react negatively. Abrar was taken aback when, after the match, Kohli praised him by saying, “Well bowled.” This moment was a highlight for the spinner, who had always looked up to Kohli and often told his Under-19 teammates that he would one day bowl to the Indian star.
Admiration for Kohli’s Fitness and Cricketing Skills
Abrar also spoke highly of Kohli’s fitness and skill, emphasizing his exceptional running between the wickets. He described Kohli’s agility and fitness as remarkable qualities that set him apart as a cricketer. While Abrar was thrilled to have played against his idol, his admiration for Kohli extended beyond his batting prowess.
He appreciated Kohli’s sportsmanship and the way he conducted himself on the field, calling him not just a great player but also a great human being. Despite the criticism surrounding his send-off to Gill, Abrar remained focused on his game and cherished the memorable encounter with one of cricket’s finest.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.