Pakistan's spin bowler Abrar Ahmed expressed his heartfelt feelings for Virat Kohli in an emotional social media post after facing him during the Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and Pakistan in Dubai.
Taking to Instagram, Abrar called Kohli his "childhood hero" and praised the Indian star's humble personality. Sharing a picture of their viral moment from the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 match, Abrar wrote,
"Bowling to my childhood hero Virat Kohli. Grateful for his appreciation his greatness as a cricketer is only matched by his humility as a person. A true inspiration on and off the field!"
The special moment happened on February 23, when Kohli walked up to Abrar after his bowling spell to shake hands and appreciate his performance a true display of sportsmanship.
Abrar was Pakistan's best bowler in the match, finishing with 1 for 28 in his spell despite being criticized for giving Shubman Gill an aggressive send-off after his dismissal. According to Pak-based Geo News Urdu, Ahmed 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".
Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan knocked out, India in final four
Coming back to the Champions Trophy, Pakistan are ruled out of the tournament after losing their first two league matches of the mega event. Pakistan's third league match against Bangladesh washed out due to rain at Rawalpindi Stadium in Rawalpindi. On the other hand, India have sealed their berth in the semifinal after defeating Bangladesh and Pakistan in their first two league matches. The Men in Blue will now face New Zealand for their third league match before featuring in the semifinal.
