Jitesh Sharma Arshdeep Singh Harshit Rana Abrar Ahmed. Image Credits: X
Pakistan started their T20I series against Australia on a strong note. Abrar Ahmed played a crucial role, taking two wickets for just 10 runs in 4 overs, helping Pakistan win by 22 runs in the 1st T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
However, the focus was not just on Abrar Ahmed performance but also on his animated wicket celebration.
It is important to note that Abrar’s send-off, where he gestures a dismissed batter back to the pavilion, had sparked controversy in the past.
One of the incidents was when he faced massive backlash after he used it against India's Shubman Gill during the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
At the time, the celebration drew widespread criticism, prompting Abrar to say he would avoid it in the future. Despite staying away from it for some time, he revived the gesture against Australia.
Abrar Ahmed's bold comment on his animated celebration
When asked about whether Abrar Ahmed would continue this celebration in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the leg-spinner hinted that he would not hold back for certain teams.
“Jab mera mann karega tab celebration karoonga (I will do the celebration when I feel like it). Kuck aisi teams hain jinke khilaaf to karta rahoonga (there are some teams I will keep on celebrating in this way),” Abrar said during the post-match press conference.
Though he did not mention the name of any team, the remark is widely seen as a dig at India.
Salman Agha heaps praises on Abrar's performance
Captain Salman Ali Agha spoke positively about his leg-spinner and the overall performance of Pakistan's spin bowlers. He showed strong confidence in Abrar, saying that the spinner has been impressive ever since making his debut.
"Abrar has been outstanding since his debut. Our spin bowling has been winning us games day in and day out. Hopefully, they can continue this form through to the World Cup."
India–Pakistan rivalry boils ahead of T20 World Cup
The rivalry between Pakistan and India on the cricket field has intensified over the past year following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s subsequent 'Operation Sindoor'.
The Asia Cup 2025 witnessed heightened on-field tension, with players like Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf engaging in controversial gestures.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 set to begin on February 7, the fans around the world must be eagerly awaiting the Pakistan and India clash on February 15.
All of Pakistan's matches will be played in Sri Lanka, although there remains uncertainty about their participation.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi indicated that a final decision on Pakistan’s involvement would be taken by January 30, or early next week.
In the meantime, Pakistan will continue their T20I series against Australia. The second T20I match of the ongoing series will be played on January 31. The last and the final match of the series will be played on February 1.
After this series, the 'Men in Green' will depart for Colombo on Monday (February 2) to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026.
For the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan have been placed in the Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, Namibia and the USA.
