’Would’ve been a victory beyond sport’: Ajay Jadeja says IND’s Champions Trophy win in Lahore ’would have been better’

Pakistan has been one of the top countries to play cricket for many cricketers. But for India, that has been a distant dream since 2012 due to the political indifferences between the two countries. As a result, India played all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai despite Pakistan being the tournament hosts. 

On Sunday, led by Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue emerged triumphant, beating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With this win, India became the most successful team in the history of the tournament with three titles. 

Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja felt, India’s victory would have been more sweeter had they won the final in Lahore. For the unknown, the Champions Trophy 2025 final was scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore had India not qualified for the summit clash.  

“Shoutout to the fans as well because every player that I’ve talked to who’s been there, they’ve enjoyed being there. The people of Pakistan have also come out in numbers,” Ajay Jadeja said on Sports Central’s ‘The Dressing Room’ show.

“Their team didn’t do as well as they would’ve liked, but they’ve still kept that thing, and it’s been a happy moment and great tournament. I was just wishing that if India had won this in Lahore, it would’ve been even better. It would’ve been a victory beyond just the sport,” Ajay Jadeja said.