After facing trolling, Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed drops signature celebration used after dismissing Shubman Gill

Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is known for his unique celebration, where he uses a head-tilt gesture to signal a send-off to the batter after taking their wicket. The 26-year-old Abrar, however, has decided to stop using the celebration style after internet trolling and on-field confrontation.

While Abrar had been performing the head-tilt or head-nod celebration for a while, it became viral after he dismissed India’s Shubman Gill in the Champions Trophy 2025 and performed the same ritual. The video instantly went viral as the Pakistani bowler was trolled heavily on social media.

Abrar was also recently confronted by an Indian fan in New Zealand during Pakistan’s ODI series, as the female supporter questioned his celebration style against Gill.

Abrar Ahmed

Faced with constant scrutiny, Abrar has decided to move on from the particular celebration style. Abrar explained that while he didn’t intend to offend anyone, the celebration against India became a “bigger deal” and he wants to move on from it.

“I started this celebration in the previous PSL and continued it in South Africa without any issues,” Abrar was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s A Sports.

“But during the India match in the Champions Trophy, it became a bigger deal. I never intended to offend anyone, so I’ve decided to move on from it,” he added.

In the India vs Pakistan match, Abrar bowled a beautiful leg-spin delivery that spun away from Gill and uprooted his off-stump. Gill was on 46 when he was cleaned up by Abrar. However, it was the only wicket he took in the match as India cruised to the low target of 242, with Virat Kohli scoring 100 not out.

Abrar is currently playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he represents Quetta Gladiators.