“I Want To Punch Him…”: Newlywed Pakistan Bowler Abrar Ahmed Issues Boxing Challenge To Legendary India Batter Shikhar Dhawan

Few rivalries in sport stir as much emotion, drama, and attention as India versus Pakistan. Every interaction, every word, every on-field moment — no matter how small — tends to echo far beyond the boundary rope. And once again, a spark has been lit, this time not by a fiery spell or a controversial dismissal, but by an offbeat comment from Pakistan’s rising leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

In a recent appearance on a Pakistani YouTube show, the 27-year-old spinner was asked a seemingly lighthearted question: If you could face any cricketer in a boxing ring, who would it be?

Without missing a beat and with a mischievous grin, Abrar responded,

“Main chahta hu ki main boxing karu aur khada Shikhar Dhawan ho saamne,”
which translates to, “I want to box, and I’d like Shikhar Dhawan to be standing in front of me.”

What might have been intended as playful humor quickly snowballed into one of the most talked-about moments in cricket social media this week.

Abrar Ahmed’s Comment Goes Viral

Within hours of the clip surfacing online, cricket fans across India and Pakistan had already picked it apart, shared it, and debated its tone. The line — short, spontaneous, and slightly cheeky — became instant fodder for memes, reactions, and opinion threads.

Some saw it as harmless fun, a part of the light banter that often defines players’ off-field interviews. Others, however, viewed it as unnecessary, especially given the volatile history of India–Pakistan cricket relations.

As one Indian fan commented on X (formerly Twitter),

“Friendly banter is fine, but when a current player mentions a legend like Dhawan, it should come with respect, not punches.”

Conversely, a Pakistani user wrote,

“People need to relax — Abrar clearly said it jokingly. These comments get blown out of proportion because it’s India-Pakistan. Nothing more.”

The divide was sharp but familiar — mirroring the passionate tribalism that accompanies the cricketing rivalry between the two nations.

The Context Behind Abrar’s Remark

To understand why Abrar’s comment resonated so strongly, it’s important to look at the context in which it arrived. The statement came just weeks after India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph over Pakistan — a tournament that reignited one of the fiercest rivalries in world cricket.

India dominated the series, defeating Pakistan three times in a row, including a tense final in Dubai. Emotions ran high, not just among players but across both nations’ cricketing circles and fanbases.

In that final, Pakistan had started brightly, reaching 113/1 before collapsing to 146 all out — a collapse triggered by India’s left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who spun a web around Pakistan’s middle order with figures of 4/30.

Abrar himself bowled tidily, taking one wicket for 29 runs, but his celebration after dismissing Sanju Samson drew social media attention. The young leg-spinner made his trademark gesture aimed toward the Indian dugout — a move that didn’t go unnoticed.

After India lifted the trophy, several Indian players — including Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana — humorously mimicked Abrar’s celebration in a video clip that quickly went viral. Arshdeep even captioned it “No context,” a subtle but playful response that had both fanbases laughing.

Given this backdrop, Abrar’s “boxing” remark about Shikhar Dhawan has naturally been linked to the rivalry’s ongoing banter cycle.

A Battle of Humor, Not Hostility

While some fans interpreted Abrar’s words as disrespectful, others were quick to point out the lighthearted tone of the interview.

Abrar, known for his unfiltered personality, often engages with fans in a conversational, humorous manner. Those familiar with his previous interviews would recognize that his “boxing” comment wasn’t an expression of hostility — rather, it was another example of his cheeky charm.

In fact, the spinner chuckled immediately after making the remark, drawing laughter from the host and crew on set. Yet, in today’s hyperconnected digital age, humor doesn’t always travel well across borders, especially when it involves iconic names like Shikhar Dhawan.

Why Shikhar Dhawan Became the Center of Attention

Shikhar Dhawan, affectionately known as “Gabbar” by fans, remains one of the most popular and charismatic figures in Indian cricket. Known for his trademark mustache twirl, infectious smile, and aggressive batting, Dhawan has long been a fan favorite not just in India, but around the cricketing world.

Having last played for India in early 2024, Dhawan has since transitioned into media and commentary work. His wit, charm, and easygoing humor have made him a natural fit for the studio. From his commentary during IPL 2025 to his appearances on talk shows, Dhawan continues to win hearts with his positivity and humility.

That’s why Abrar’s mention of his name, even in jest, sparked immediate reactions — Dhawan isn’t just a former player; he’s a beloved personality who commands immense respect.

Many fans speculated that if Dhawan were to respond, he would likely do so with a trademark smile or witty comeback, staying true to his personality. After all, this is a man who once danced off after scoring centuries and responded to sledging with laughter instead of anger.

Cricket’s History of Light-Hearted Rivalry

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is no stranger to off-field humor and banter. Over the decades, several players from both sides have exchanged lighthearted remarks that fans later celebrated as part of the rivalry’s folklore.

From Virat Kohli’s post-match embrace of Mohammad Amir to Shoaib Akhtar’s playful exchanges with Indian legends, these moments have often added a human touch to a contest that otherwise carries immense political and emotional weight.

Abrar’s comment, viewed through that lens, fits neatly into this long tradition — a harmless quip that fuels entertainment and fan conversation without crossing any serious line.

In fact, some Indian fans even joked on social media that Dhawan — known for his fitness and boxing-inspired training routines — would “win that bout in one round.”

Reactions from Fans and Experts

As the clip trended on YouTube and X, reactions poured in from all corners of the cricket community.
While some criticized Abrar for “crossing lines,” others defended his right to joke freely.

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle offered a balanced take on social media:

“We’ve got to learn to differentiate between hostility and humor. Cricketers, especially young ones, speak casually on talk shows. Everything doesn’t have to be a controversy.”

Pakistani journalist Zainab Abbas echoed a similar sentiment, tweeting,

“Abrar said it in jest, but given how emotional fans get about India vs Pakistan, it was bound to blow up. Let’s not forget — these players share mutual respect off the field.”

Former cricketers from both nations refrained from making public comments, though several ex-players privately acknowledged that the rivalry’s entertainment value depends as much on its drama as on its cricket.

From Asia Cup Battles to Off-Field Banter

Abrar Ahmed’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. Since making his debut for Pakistan in 2022, the leg-spinner has built a reputation as a fearless and expressive cricketer. His unorthodox action, combined with sharp turn and deceptive flight, has made him one of Pakistan’s brightest spin prospects.

However, his fiery personality often adds an extra layer of intrigue to his performances. Whether it’s an animated celebration, a passionate appeal, or a humorous quote, Abrar brings personality — something modern cricket often craves.

During the Asia Cup 2025, he became both a key bowler and a headline-maker. His gestures, celebrations, and verbal exchanges during the India games drew mixed reactions, but also ensured that he remained in the spotlight — a position he seems comfortable with.

For Abrar, who grew up idolizing entertainers like Shahid Afridi, cricket isn’t just about wickets; it’s about energy, emotion, and expression. And in that sense, his recent “boxing” comment perfectly captures his flamboyant personality.

The Broader Picture: India-Pakistan Rivalry Beyond the Boundary

Cricket between India and Pakistan has always carried a weight far heavier than the game itself. Matches between the two nations draw global attention, record-breaking viewership, and emotional investment unlike any other sporting rivalry.

In that context, even an offhand remark can become a lightning rod for discussion.
Over the years, both nations’ players have learned to navigate that delicate balance — respecting the intensity while maintaining camaraderie.

Behind the scenes, players often share mutual admiration, friendships, and laughs — interactions the public rarely sees. When India toured the UAE for the Asia Cup, for instance, several players from both sides were seen chatting warmly during practice sessions, sharing smiles and gestures of goodwill.

Abrar’s comment, while controversial in isolation, serves as a reminder of the deep emotional chord cricket strikes between these two nations — a rivalry that is at once fierce and familiar, competitive yet connected.

Will Dhawan Respond?

As of now, Shikhar Dhawan has not publicly reacted to Abrar’s viral comment. But given his easygoing nature, a response — if it comes — is expected to be witty rather than confrontational.

Dhawan has a knack for handling such situations with humor. In past interviews, when asked about sledging or criticism, he often laughed it off, saying, “Main zyada serious nahi leta. Smile sabse bada answer hai.” (I don’t take things too seriously. A smile is the best answer.)

So, whether through a cheeky social media post or a playful comment during a broadcast, fans are anticipating that “Gabbar” might soon have the last laugh.

The Verdict: Banter or Boundary?

At its core, the Abrar Ahmed–Shikhar Dhawan episode is a reflection of modern cricket’s double-edged world — where players’ spontaneous comments can simultaneously entertain and ignite debate.

In this case, Abrar’s words seem to fall firmly on the side of banter rather than boundary-crossing. Yet, the incident also underscores how every soundbite in India–Pakistan cricket carries amplified meaning.

Perhaps the real takeaway lies in how both players — one active, one retired — embody different sides of the same coin.
Abrar represents Pakistan’s new generation: bold, expressive, and unafraid to speak his mind.
Dhawan, meanwhile, symbolizes India’s veteran charm: confident, humorous, and full of character.

Together, their names in a single headline remind fans why cricket between these two nations remains the sport’s most captivating theatre.

Epilogue: When Rivalry Meets Respect

Cricket, at its best, is an emotion — and nowhere is that truer than in India and Pakistan.
From heated contests to moments of laughter, the sport continues to unite millions even amid fierce competition.

If anything, Abrar Ahmed’s comment has once again proven how easily cricket crosses from the field into the fabric of everyday conversation. And perhaps, that’s what makes this rivalry timeless — every over, every joke, every comment becomes part of a story that never truly ends.

So whether or not the “boxing match” ever happens, one thing is certain — when it comes to India and Pakistan, the real battle is always fought not with fists, but with words, wit, and the will to entertain.

Key Takeaways

Abrar Ahmed jokingly said he’d like to face Shikhar Dhawan in a boxing ring during a Pakistani YouTube interview.
The comment went viral, sparking lighthearted banter and debate among fans.
Context: Follows India’s Asia Cup 2025 dominance over Pakistan.
Dhawan, now a commentator, has not responded publicly but is expected to handle it with humor.
The incident reflects the enduring emotion and entertainment value of India–Pakistan cricket.