NEW DELHI: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made a remark related to rivalry in cricket between the two nations during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, which led to laughter. Luxon mentioned New Zealand’s recent cricket losses to India and thanked Modi for not bringing them up.
“I really appreciate that PM Modi didn’t raise New Zealand’s Champions Trophy loss to India and I didn’t raise our Test victories in India. Let’s keep it that way and avoid a diplomatic incident,” Luxon said.
India won the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy for the third time on March 9, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. In November 2024, New Zealand had defeated India 3-0 in a Test series. This was the first time India was whitewashed in a Test series of three or more matches at home.
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The Indian team had only been whitewashed in a home Test series of more than one match once — by South Africa in 1999-2000 — and never in a series of more than two Tests.
The two leaders on Monday also highlighted the strong sporting connections between India and New Zealand, particularly in cricket, hockey, and other Olympic sports. They welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on Sports to strengthen collaboration and engagement. They also acknowledged the upcoming “Sporting Unity” events in 2026, which will mark 100 years of sporting ties between the two countries.
As a reflection of the cultural connection between India and New Zealand, Luxon was also seen with New Zealand cricketers Ajaz Patel and Ross Taylor.
