Bowling to Virat Kohli was my childhood dream come true: Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed, for Pakistan’s 26-year-old spinner, bowling to Virat Kohli was more than just another game, it was the gratification of a lifelong dream. He finally got his opportunity during the high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. While Pakistan accepted a six-wicket defeat, the match held deep personal importance for Abrar. 

Abrar, having skipped out on selection for both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup in New York, made his mark in Dubai with a well-disciplined spell, making figures of 1/28 in his ten overs. He managed to keep Kohli in there, making him work hard for his runs, and also dismissed Indian opener Shubman Gill with a brilliant delivery. 

Abrar told Telecom Asia Sport, “My childhood dream of bowling to Virat Kohli has come true in Dubai. It was a great challenge, and I even teased him, asking him to hit me for a six. But he never got angry. Kohli is not just a great batter, we all know that, but he’s also a great human being.” 

What left Abrar even more in surprise was Kohli’s reaction after the match. “He said, ‘well bowled,’ and that made my day,” he shared. “I grew up idolizing Kohli and used to tell Under-19 players that one day I would bowl to him.” 

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Abrar was also struck by his relentless work ethic and supreme fitness, beyond Kohli’s batting, “His fitness is outstanding. The way he runs between the wickets is eye-catching, and that’s what makes him such a unique cricketer", he added.

Abrar’s most special moment in the match came when he bowled Gill with a sharp, effective delivery. His celebratory flick of the eyes went viral, sparking some debate, but he downplayed any controversy. “That’s my style, and I don’t see anything wrong with it. No official told me I did anything inappropriate, but if it hurt anyone, I’m sorry; it wasn’t my intention.” 

Despite Abrar’s impressive showing, Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment, as they, alongside Bangladesh, were among the first teams to be eliminated in the group stage.