Abrar Ahmed Breaks Silence on ‘Arrogant’ Send-off to Shubman Gill, Clashes with Indian Journalist

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed has been under fire from Indian journalists and fans for his animated send-off to Indian opener Shubman Gill during their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match. Despite the backlash, Ahmed has defended his actions, claiming that his celebration was not unusual.

The match, held on Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan posting a total of 241 runs after winning the toss. Saud Shakeel was the top scorer for Pakistan with 62 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan added 46 and Khushdil Shah contributed 38 runs. For India, Kuldeep Yadav took three wickets, and Hardik Pandya secured two.

Abrar Ahmed made headlines early in India’s chase when he dismissed Shubman Gill in the 18th over with a sharp leg-break that shattered the batter’s stumps. Ahmed’s gesture towards Gill, signaling him to return to the pavilion, was perceived as ‘arrogant’ by many, leaving the Indian batter stunned.

Following the match, the young Pakistan spinner faced a barrage of criticism on social media, with fans mocking his celebration. However, Ahmed stood by his actions, stating that such celebrations are normal for him back home. “The celebration on the wicket of Shubhman Gill is my normal celebration back home as well,” Ahmed reportedly said.

A Pakistani journalist also shared that Ahmed had a heated argument with an Indian journalist in Dubai, who questioned his animated send-off to Gill. “Abrar Ahmed had a heated argument with an Indian journalist in Dubai. Abrar was criticized by the Indian journalist regarding the celebration made after taking the wicket of Shubman Gill,” the journalist added.

Abrar Ahmed, the only specialist spinner in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has struggled to make a significant impact in the tournament. He managed just one wicket in the opening match against New Zealand, where Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat. Ahmed finished with figures of 10-0-47-1. Against India, he was economical, finishing with figures of 1/28, but his performance did not significantly influence the game.

With back-to-back losses, Pakistan now faces the brink of elimination. To keep their semi-final hopes alive, they must secure a dominant win over Bangladesh in their final Group A match while relying on favorable results from other games.