During a meeting with PM Modi, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon humorously avoided discussing the Champions Trophy 2025 final, sparking laughter from both leaders
March 17, 2025 | Sports & Diplomacy Update
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had Prime Minister Narendra Modi in splits with his hilarious take on the Champions Trophy 2025 final during their recent diplomatic meeting. In a lighthearted moment, Luxon jokingly avoided discussing New Zealand’s defeat to India in the final, saying he wanted to prevent a “diplomatic incident.”
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The Champions Trophy Banter
India defeated New Zealand in Dubai to clinch the Champions Trophy 2025 title, a result that Luxon clearly hadn’t forgotten. During his address, he quipped:
“I really appreciate that PM Modi didn’t bring up New Zealand’s Champions Trophy loss to India, and I didn’t mention our Test victories in India. Let’s keep it that way and avoid a diplomatic incident.”
PM Modi, amused by the cheeky remark, was seen laughing at Luxon’s banter, as was former New Zealand cricketer Ross Taylor, who was present at the event.
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𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚-𝐍𝐙 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭!
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) March 17, 2025
At the joint press meet, PM Luxon joked about New Zealand’s recent losses to India in cricket, thanking PM @narendramodi for not bringing it up.
"Let’s just keep it that way and avoid a… pic.twitter.com/Kaeuh6LSir
Praise for Team India’s Dominance
Luxon went on to praise Team India’s stellar form, acknowledging their dominance in world cricket under PM Modi’s tenure. He added:
“During PM Modi’s tenure, the Men in Blue have been the most dominant side in cricket, most recently winning the Champions Trophy in Dubai against my Men in Black (New Zealand cricket team). They broke many New Zealanders’ hearts in the process, including mine. I will be the bigger person and just say congratulations.”
A Diplomatic Cricket Moment to Remember
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The friendly exchange between the two leaders highlights how cricket continues to play a significant role in diplomatic relations between India and New Zealand. While Luxon may have been tongue-in-cheek about the Champions Trophy defeat, his praise for Indian cricket underscores India’s growing influence on the global stage—both in sports and diplomacy.
Watch the full video of the banter trending on social media now!
Tags:
#PMModi, #ChristopherLuxon, #ChampionsTrophy2025, #IndiaVsNewZealand, #CricketDiplomacy, #TeamIndia, #Banter, #CricketHumor, #IndiaWins,