WATCH: Pakistan spinner calls out Shikhar Dhawan for boxing bout, only to get brutally trolled

Pakistan spinner calls out Shikhar Dhawan for boxing bout (AP and Instagram Photos)

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed is no stranger to theatrics. His tricks with the ball are as popular as his antics on the field. In a fresh move that has sparked controversy and laughter in cricket circles, Abrar has challenged former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan to a boxing bout. The statement went viral and fueled the already intense rivalry between India and Pakistan.

When the 27-year-old leg-spinner recently appeared on a Pakistan YouTube channel, he was asked in a humorous section of the show, which cricketer he would most like to fight in a boxing ring.

“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?)”

Abrar didn’t hesitate replying: “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)."

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

The video has generated plenty of reaction, given the tense context of recent India-Pakistan conflicts. Some fans criticised the remark as needless provocation, while others disregarded it as lighthearted humor.

After India overcame Pakistan in a nail-biting final in Dubai at the 2025 Asia Cup, the remark gained popularity. Tilak Varma's undefeated 69 and Shivam Dube's handy 33 helped India bounce back after a shaky 20/3 while chasing 147 in the clash.

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Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav destroyed the middle order with figures of 4/30 as Pakistan collapsed dramatically following a promising start, which saw then add 113/1.

Meanwhile, after taking 1/29 in his four overs, which saw him dismiss Sanju Samson, Abrar celebrated with his famous characteristic gesture - a nod of the head sideways.

The gesture was not ignored. Indian players Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Harshit Rana were observed imitating Abrar's celebration following India's victory. Arshdeep even uploaded the video on social media.

The 39-year-old Shikhar Dhawan, who primarily works in mentoring and broadcasting, has not reacted to Abrar's challenge. He announced his retirement from international cricket last year. He finished as one of India's most reliable white-ball players, with 6793 runs in 167 ODIs and 1759 runs in 68 T20Is.

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Memes, mock posters of a hypothetical "Boxing Bout: Dhawan vs Abrar", and discussions about sportsmanship have been posted on social media by fans on both sides of the border.

Whether it was a joke gone too far or just lighthearted banter, Abrar's comments have once again demonstrated how even casual conversations between India and Pakistan can become newsworthy.