Shaheen Shah Afridi reacts to Suryakumar Yadav’s “No Rivalry” comment on Pakistan

India captain Suryakumar Yadav recently stirred discussions by stating that the India-Pakistan contests should not be called a rivalry. The skipper made this claim following India’s second convincing win over Pakistan within a week during the Asia Cup 2025. His remarks came in the backdrop of India’s dominant performances, which many felt spoke for themselves.

The comments caught the attention of cricket fans and analysts alike, as India and Pakistan matches are traditionally billed as high-voltage encounters. While Suryakumar sought to downplay the so-called “rivalry,” the results on the field reflected India’s superiority in recent clashes. His statement highlighted that the gap between the teams has grown and that cricketing contests should focus more on performance than emotions or narratives.

Ahead of Pakistan’s crucial knockout match against Bangladesh, the remarks also drew a reaction from the country’s camp. A Pakistan pacer responded to Suryakumar’s statement, underlining the ongoing discourse around the cricketing and competitive dynamics between the two nations in the Asia Cup 2025.

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Pakistan Pacer’s Responded to Indian Skipper’s Statement on this Rivalry:

After winning against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage, Indian Skipper Suryakumar Yadav attended the post-match press conference. A journalist asked him about the most cherished India-Pakistan rivalry. He replied, “ I think you should stop asking questions on the rivalry because rivalry is when both sides play 15-20 matches, and one side is ahead by 8-7. It is called playing good cricket and a rivalry. 3-0, 10-1, I don't know what the stat is, but this is not a rivalry anymore.”

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi responded to Suryakumar Yadav’s comments, noting that it’s premature to dismiss Pakistan. He emphasized that the two sides could meet a third time in the Asia Cup 2025 final, keeping the competitive spirit of the contest alive.

He said, “ Let him say what he wants. Neither has he reached the final yet, nor have we. We will see when the moment comes. It is our job to win. We have come to win the Asia Cup. We will do our best.”

Commenting on his role with the bat, Shaheen Afridi emphasized that his focus is always on giving his best. He highlighted the importance of contributing effectively down the order whenever the team needs him, prioritizing performance over personal milestones.

He further said, “ Like the last two matches, the way you said about batting, my job is that whenever I get a position, I bowl. Batting, fielding, bowling, whatever I get, I give my 100%. Because it is obvious. Whenever I play, I try to give my 100%. Whether I am sick or injured, whatever I am, but it doesn't show outside. So my job is to raise the morale of the team and play all the cricket with energy.”

Pakistan secured a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Tuesday, boosting their chances of reaching the Asia Cup final. The team will next face Bangladesh on Thursday in a crucial match that could effectively decide their place in the tournament’s title clash.