'Never Played in Pakistan,' Shreyas Iyer Responds to Reporter After India-Pakistan Clash

New Delhi: In the aftermath of India’s victory against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Shreyas Iyer had an interesting response to a reporter's question. During the post-match press conference, Iyer, who scored a solid 56 runs in the match, was asked if the win would have been even more special had it been on Pakistani soil instead of the neutral venue in the UAE.

Shreyas Iyer's Straightforward Response

Shreyas Iyer didn’t mince words in his response. He stated, “I’ve never played a single game in Pakistan, so I don’t know about that.” He made it clear that despite never playing in Pakistan, he was thrilled with the win. Iyer emphasized that the venue was neutral for both teams, and the challenge was equally intense.

The Competitive Nature of India vs Pakistan Matches

The 2025 Champions Trophy match was another high-stakes clash between the two arch-rivals. Iyer admitted that any victory against Pakistan was sweet due to the added competitive edge. "It’s always competitive, and there is external pressure from all around. I really enjoyed it," he said.

The Challenge of Playing in Neutral Venues

The match took place in Dubai, as the political tension between India and Pakistan prevented India from traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. Iyer highlighted the unique challenges posed by playing in a neutral location, which provided a different kind of pressure compared to playing on either team's home ground.

Shreyas Iyer's Performance Against Pakistan

This win marked Shreyas Iyer’s third match against Pakistan, and his performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy added to his growing record against them. Previously, Iyer had scored an unbeaten fifty in the 2023 ODI World Cup, followed by another solid half-century in this match. His consistency against Pakistan further bolstered his reputation as a key player for India in high-pressure situations.