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 behavior 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.

Wasim Akram Slams Abrar Ahmed For Unsportsmanlike Send-Off

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.)

Abrar Ahmed wants Pakistan team to make significant changes 

Pakistan's leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed has called for significant changes within the team after their loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ahmed, who was the most successful bowler for Pakistan in the match, taking one wicket for 28 runs, acknowledged that the team needs to improve in both batting and bowling departments.

"We have to change a lot of things within the group," Ahmed said in an assessment of the team's performance. "This tournament is like that you go out if you lose one match. We have to improve our batting and have to do more work on bowling."

Ahmed's comments come after Pakistan's comprehensive loss to India, where they struggled to contain the Indian batting lineup. Despite Ahmed's impressive performance, the team's overall display was lacking, and they were ultimately outclassed by their opponents.

The loss to India is a significant setback for Pakistan, who are now under pressure to perform in their remaining matches. Ahmed's call for change within the team is a clear indication that the players are aware of their shortcomings and are willing to work on their weaknesses.