'NZ doesn't cry': Ravichandran Ashwin mocks & blasts Pakistan over 'unfair advantage' allegations against India

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand in Dubai. Ravichandran Ashwin stated that the Rohit Sharma-led team has the opportunity to win back-to-back finals in ICC events.

India are set to face New Zealand in the final encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9. The two teams last met in the group stage, where India beat New Zealand by 44 runs at the same venue. Notably, India are unbeaten in ODIs in Dubai, including their 2018 Asia Cup win.

New Zealand Doesn’t Cry About the Conditions - Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking at the RevSportz Trailblazers 3.0 Conclave, Ravichandran Ashwin admitted feeling nervous about the upcoming Champions Trophy final. He stated that New Zealand performed exceptionally well in the semi-final. Ashwin also said that India are on the cusp of achieving something very special.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"I’m nervy about the Champions Trophy final. New Zealand played really well in the semi-final. It’s a matter of immense pride that India have made back-to-back ICC finals. We are on the cusp of achieving something very special. New Zealand doesn’t cry about the conditions. They make best use of their resources," Ashwin said (as quoted by RevSportz).

Breaking!

I'm nervy about the Champions Trophy final. New Zealand played really well in the semi-final. It's a matter of immense pride that India have made back-to-back ICC finals. We are on the cusp of achieving something very special: Ashwin #Trailblazers3 #RevSportz

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 8, 2025

Pakistan Have No Business Talking About India’s Advantage - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted to Pakistan's criticism of India's unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy 2025. He stated that Pakistan failed to reach the final and added that they have no reason to comment on India's advantage.

"Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy and they were knocked out of the tournament. They have no business talking about (India’s) home advantage," Ashwin said.

Breaking!

Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy and they are out of the tournament. They have no business talking about India's home advantage: Ashwin at RevSportz Conclave #Trailblazers3 #RevSportz

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 8, 2025

Pakistan endured a disappointing campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy. The Men in Green failed to win a single match despite hosting the tournament for the first time in 29 years.

They began their campaign with a 60-run defeat, followed by a six-wicket loss to India. Their final group-stage match was abandoned due to rain, which placed them at the bottom of Group A.

Pakistan will shift their focus to a white-ball series, consisting of five T20Is and three ODIs, in New Zealand. Agha Salman has been appointed as the T20I captain for the series.

Criticism Mounts Over India’s ‘Undue Advantage’ in Champions Trophy 2025

Ahead of the final match between India and New Zealand, there are debates over whether India have had an undue advantage by playing all their matches in Dubai. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma stated that there is no major advantage to playing in one location.

Due to security concerns, the BCCI decided that India would not travel to Pakistan, the tournament’s designated host. Other teams travelled between venues in Pakistan and Dubai, while the Rohit Sharma-led team played all of their matches, including knockout matches, at the Dubai International Stadium.

Also read: BCCI mentioned as Harbhajan Singh attacks Congress politician for body-shaming Rohit Sharma