Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed stirred up social media recently by playfully challenging former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan to a boxing match. In a light-hearted segment during an interview with popular Pakistani TV host Sara Baloch back in June 2025, Abrar was asked to name a cricketer he would like to face in the boxing ring, someone who frustrates him.
Without hesitation, the 27-year-old wrist-spinner replied with a smirk, “I’d love to step into the ring and square off against Shikhar Dhawan. I think it’d be a good fight.”
The clip, now going viral, has sparked plenty of banter among fans on both sides of the border. While Abrar didn’t elaborate on why he picked Dhawan, the comment seems to have been made in jest, possibly aimed at spicing up cricket’s famous India-Pakistan rivalry.
Abrar is now set to rejoin the Pakistan Test squad in Lahore as they gear up for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. The series begins on October 12.
Pakistan’s squad for the series includes the return of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both of whom were rested for the Asia Cup. Under Test captain Shan Masood, the team blends seasoned players with promising talents, aiming to bounce back strongly in red-ball cricket.
