Pakistani mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, who is said to be an expert brewer of tea, on Tuesday, hosted a quirky quartet of unexpected guests, who, despite his reluctance, forced him to serve them his "famous chai".
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted a video on social media that shows the whole tea adventure by the national cricketers ahead of their upcoming match against New Zealand in the 4th T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The video shows, pacer Zaman Khan, batter Usman Khan, and opener Saim Ayub showing up outside Abrar's hotel room without a warning.
Abrar initially seemed dumbstruck to see this uninvited company barging into his room demanding a cup of tea each, but, having no choice, he played along.
Despite Abrar's pleas that they postpone the tea party until tomorrow, his mates refused to budge.
All-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed joined the party later.
After settling down, Abrar asked them about their tea preferences. Zaman Khan jokingly complained that it had been five days since he had Abrar's fabled tea. In the middle of the video, Iftikhar Ahmed made a witty comment about Abrar's tea, saying that it looked "as sweet and pretty" as Abrar himself.
Saim Ayub also dropped some sarcasm by remarking that the tea was so good he wanted another cup. In response, Abrar playfully showed them the door, indicating that they could leave if they didn't like it.
It must be noted that the Pakistan cricket team is currently playing a five-match T20I series against New Zealand on home soil.
The series is level at 1-1 after three matches, all in Rawalpindi, with the last two games set to take place in Lahore on April 25 and 27.
The first match of the series was washed out due to rain, while the following encounter was won by Pakistan. However, New Zealand made a grand comeback in the third T20I to level the series on Sunday.
Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan could miss the remainder of the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury.
Rizwan suffered the injury during the third T20I against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
The team management could make the decision on Rizwan’s availability today after looking at the scans.
After the conclusion of the series against New Zealand, the Pakistan team will play three T20Is against Ireland and four against England away from home next month.
Pakistan squad will depart for the United States, ahead of the T20 World Cup, from England.
The coaching staff for the Pakistan men’s team will also be announced after the conclusion of the series against New Zealand.
Former South African batter Gary Kirsten and ex-Australian pacer Jason Gillespie have been finalised by the PCB for the role of white-ball and red-ball head coach, respectively, for the national men’s side, Geo News reported earlier this month.
Azhar Mahmood was named the head coach of the Pakistan team for the series against New Zealand.