Team India won Champions Trophy 2025, they defeated New Zealand by two wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India took the decision to not travel to Pakistan due to political tensions and security concerns following which India’s matches were played in Dubai. After the Champions Trophy final, Hardik Pandya was questioned about India team’s absence from Pakistan.

Despite the debate, India dominated the competition and group A stage which consisted of Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand after which the Men in Blue defeated Australia in semi-final and New Zealand in finals.

Hardik Pandya played an extremely important role in India’s campaign, he scored 99 runs and took four wickets as well. His most crucial wicket was of Babar Azam in India vs Pakistan match.

Hardik Pandya On India Not Travelling To Pakistan

“I am sure Pakistani people living in Dubai must have enjoyed our performance. The question of why we didn’t go is way above my pay grade,” Hardik Pandya told reporters 

“Put The Team Above Myself”: Says Pandya

“I have always played cricket to win. This is not just a dialogue. I have always put the team above myself. It doesn’t matter if Hardik Pandya does well or not, but the team must do well. This mindset has helped me face hardships and taught me not to run away from challenges,” said Hardik Pandya.

Hardik Pandya On His Never Giving Up Strategy

“If challenges are tough, throw punches. Keep fighting. Don’t leave the battlefield. If you give up, you won’t learn and grow. It’s like fielding; if you dive, you will be able to stop the ball. If you don’t, you will never understand the outcome,” he added.