Amidst the 2025 Champions Trophy drama, former Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan has backed India's decision not to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He believes national security should always come first, even before cricket. India has not toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2008 due to ongoing political tensions. However, Pakistan has played in India for ICC events like the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. With India refusing to travel for the Champions Trophy, the ICC has proposed a hybrid model, with India’s matches likely to be held in Dubai. Dhawan was asked in an ANI podcast whether India should consider playing in Pakistan. He responded firmly that its better to prioritize the country's political standpoint over the game. The left-handed batter pointed out that such decisions are beyond players’ control. He said, "No, I don't think so. Cricket shouldn't come before our country's stand. Until terrorism ends, there should be no cricket in Pakistan. First, the government needs to be on the same page. Then it comes down to the cricket boards, and finally to the players. Players don't have much say in these matters. If our country has taken a stand that we will not play in Pakistan, then we stand by it." India, placed in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai. Read also: Afghan for Afghan! MI signs Ghazanfar’s replacement Dhawan Opens Up About Separation from Son Shikhar Dhawan has revealed his emotional struggles after his divorce, stating that he has not seen his son, Zoravar, in two years. His ex-wife, Aesha Mukherjee, has reportedly kept him away. Despite getting visitation rights, he claims he has been blocked from virtual communication. Dhawan said, "I want him to be happy and healthy. I still message him every three or four days, even though I am blocked. I don't expect him to read them. I don't mind if he doesn't read them—it is my job to reach out. I will keep doing it. It has been two years since I have seen my son, one year since I last spoke to him. It has been difficult, but you learn to live with it. I miss him and speak to him spiritually... I feel through affirmations that I am conversing with him every day, hugging him. I put my energy into it spiritually. It is the only way I can bring back my son. I already feel that I am with him, speaking to him, playing with him. When I sit for my meditation, I visualise those things. My son is 11 years old now, but I have only seen him for two-and-a-half years of his life." Since retiring from international cricket in 2024, Dhawan has played in T20 leagues for retired players. Dhawan represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is, scoring over 10,000 international runs (2013–2022). A one-day specialist, he amassed 6,793 runs at 44.11, with 17 centuries. A key member of India’s 2013 Champions Trophy-winning squad, he last played in December 2022.