Abrar Ahmed Clashes with Indian Journalist Over Shubman Gill’s Dismissal: Report

Dubai February 24: Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed has finally spoken out about the controversy surrounding his “arrogant” send-off to Indian opener Shubman Gill during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match. Ahmed’s actions sparked widespread criticism from Indian fans, cricket experts and journalists, who deemed his behaviour as unacceptable. 

During the match, Ahmed dismissed Gill with a sharp leg-break, ending his impressive 46-run knock. As Gill walked off the field, Ahmed gestured towards him, seemingly telling him to leave the ground. This incident triggered a heated debate, with many labeling Ahmed’s behavior as arrogant and unsportsmanlike.

According to Pak-based Geo News Urdu, Ahmed has defended his actions, stating that his celebration was nothing out of the ordinary and that he celebrates in a similar manner back home. According to Ahmed, “The celebration on the wicket of Shubhman Gill is my normal celebration back home as well”.

As per Pak-based Geo News Urdu, the controversy took a new turn when Ahmed was confronted by an Indian journalist in Dubai, who questioned his animated send-off to Gill. The exchange reportedly turned heated, with Ahmed standing firm on his actions.

However, this duel was reported only by Geo News Urdu and none of the Indian media networks or journalists covering the match in Dubai has confirmed anything about it. Meanwhile, despite the backlash, Ahmed’s performance in the match was impressive, as he finished with figures of 1/28. However, his actions have sparked a renewed debate about the importance of sportsmanship in cricket.

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram has strongly criticized Abrar Ahmed for his unsportsmanlike send-off to Shubman Gill during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and Pakistan. Akram, known for his fierce competitiveness on the field, deemed Ahmed’s behavior as unacceptable and damaging to the sport.

The Incident occurred when Ahmed dismissed Gill with a sharp leg-break, ending his impressive 46-run knock. As Gill walked off the field, Ahmed gestured towards him, seemingly telling him to leave the ground. This send-off sparked widespread criticism from fans, journalists, and former cricketers, including Akram.

Speaking on Sports Central, Akram said, “I was impressed with the ball, but I wasn’t with the celebration. Time aur jagah hoti hai yaar. Jeet rahe ho, thik hai celebrate kar lo. Lekin pata hai, phanse hue hain, wicket mil gayi hai. Be humble, be humble. But that’s not happening. Isko bataane waala koi nahin hai. This doesn’t even look nice on tv.”

(I was impressed with the ball, but I wasn’t with the celebration. There is a time and place. If you are winning and celebrating, there’s no harm. But you know, we are struggling in the game. You have to be humble. But that’s not happening and no one is there to tell him. It doesn’t even look nice and tv.)