Wasim Akram Blasts Abrar Ahmed for Disrespectful Celebration After Dismissing Shubman Gill

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has criticized spinner Abrar Ahmed for his send-off to Indian batter Shubman Gill. This happened during the Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Akram advised players to stay humble, especially when their team is not in a strong position.

What Happened?

The incident took place in the 18th over when Abrar Ahmed bowled a brilliant delivery to dismiss Gill. The ball spun past Gill’s bat and crashed into the stumps. After taking the wicket, Abrar folded his hands and signaled Gill to leave the field with his eyes. This celebration did not sit well with many fans and experts.

Wasim Akram’s Reaction

Speaking on Sports Central, Akram praised Abrar’s bowling but did not like his celebration. He said that there is a time and place for such reactions. If the team is winning, celebrating is fine, but when struggling in a match, players should be humble. He also pointed out that no one is guiding young players on how to behave on the field.

Akram’s statement in Hindi was:

“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 on TV.”

Fans’ Reactions

Many fans also criticized Abrar’s reaction. They felt that such celebrations should be avoided, especially in high-pressure matches. While some defended Abrar’s actions, saying that emotions are part of the game, others agreed with Akram’s advice.

Cricket is not just about skills but also about sportsmanship. Players should respect each other, even in intense matches. Akram, one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers, believes young players should learn to control their emotions on the field.