Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed has ignited a new cross-border sporting controversy by publicly stating that he would like to face former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan in a boxing ring.
Ahmed, who represented Pakistan in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, made the comment during a recent interaction on a Pakistani YouTube channel, stirring debate across social media.
“I Want Shikhar Dhawan to be Standing in Front”
The 25-year-old was asked by the interviewer, “Konsa aisa player hai duniya ka jo aap chahate hai ki apke saamne ho aur aap boxing karey, jispe bada gussa aata ho?” (Which player in the world would you want to face and box, one that makes you very angry?).
Abrar, a mystery spinner with 46 Test wickets to his name, gave an immediate and pointed reply. “Mai chahta hu ki mai boxing karu aur khada Shikhar Dhawan ho saamne,” he said, expressing a clear desire to fight the former Indian southpaw.
https://twitter.com/pakistan_untold/status/1974674897281691775
Dhawan’s Recent Political Stance
Abrar’s comments come months after Dhawan, 39, was in the news for his firm stance against playing the Pakistan Legends team in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) tournament.
Dhawan and the Indian team had forfeited two matches against the Pakistani side, including the semi-final, with the former opener later revealing that the decision was driven by the “raw” emotional aftermath of recent terror attacks and geopolitical tensions, stating his “soul wasn’t ready to play.” This decision was followed by a public war of words between Dhawan and former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi.
Dhawan is a decorated veteran of Indian cricket, having scored 6,793 ODI runs and winning the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He finished his international career in late 2022 with a solid record against Pakistan, tallying 380 runs in 7 ODIs and 36 runs in two T20Is.
Abrar Ahmed has been a fixture in the Pakistan side since his debut in late 2022. He has taken 46 Test, 18 ODI, and 29 T20I wickets, including figures of 1 for 29 in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India in Dubai.
The spinner’s unusual choice for a boxing opponent is certain to amplify the already fierce sporting rivalry between the two nations. As of now, Shikhar Dhawan has not responded to Abrar Ahmed’s challenge.