Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed has once again found himself at the centre of controversy, as a resurfaced video featuring him alongside Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub went viral on social media amid the ongoing uncertainty over the India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The marquee group-stage fixture, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, remains under a cloud after the Pakistan government decided against allowing its team to take the field against India. Despite the standoff, the Pakistan squad has already arrived in Sri Lanka, where they are set to play their remaining group matches.

Abrar Ahmed’s ‘tea’ reference sparks fresh debate

In the viral clip, Abrar is seen engaging in a light-hearted exchange while Saim Ayub sips tea, asking him to offer Fakhar Zaman a sip as well. During the interaction, Abrar appears to touch upon themes of respect, humility and emotional understanding, with his remarks quickly being interpreted by fans as carrying political undertones.

The video reignited memories of the widely referenced 2019 incident involving Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan and later released. At the time, Abhinandan’s calm remark describing the tea offered to him as “fantastic” became a defining moment, frequently revisited during moments of India–Pakistan tension.

Abrar had earlier courted controversy in March 2025, when he posted a photo on Instagram holding a cup of tea with the caption “Fantastic Tea,” a move widely perceived as a reference to the Abhinandan episode. The post drew criticism from Indian fans and further fuelled online exchanges between supporters of the two nations.

As diplomatic tensions spill into cricketing discourse, the situation has also placed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under scrutiny. The ICC has reportedly not received any formal communication from the PCB regarding selective participation in the tournament, with social media posts not recognised as official correspondence by the governing body. The PCB has also failed to garner support from other member boards amid the ongoing uncertainty.

With cricket often seen as a bridge between the two nations, the episode once again highlights how off-field developments continue to cast a shadow over one of the sport’s most anticipated rivalries.

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