Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya gives an ambiguous answer when asked why the Indian team did not travel to Pakistan to play in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The player was asked the question in the post-match conference following the final match of the Champions Trophy. The Indian team won the tournament in UAE after defeating New Zealand by four wickets. India played all their matches, including the final against New Zealand in Dubai, as they didn’t travel to Pakistan owing to security concerns.
A video of him answering the question of the journalist in the ICC media zone has gone viral on social media. Responding to the question, Pandya asserted that he is sure Pakistani cricket fans wanted the Indian team to visit Pakistan. However, Pakistani fans in UAE who had come to the stadium would have enjoyed the match.
He added that answering the question of why the Indian team did not visit Pakistan is well above his paygrade.
“Great, sir that they also wanted us to play there. But it didn’t happen. I’m sure that the Pakistan fans who came here to watch the game would have enjoyed the games for sure. Now why we didn’t go (to Pakistan) is above my pay grade. So yeah, that is all that I can say,” said Hardik Pandya.
Read more: ICC slammed over absence of Pakistan at Champions Trophy closing ceremony
India emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, defeating New Zealand by four wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 252 runs, India reached the target with one over to spare. Skipper Rohit Sharma played a crucial role, top-scoring with 76 runs to guide his team to the title.
Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match for his blistering 76, while New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra earned Player of the Tournament honors for his 263 runs and 3 wickets.