Asia Cup 2025: Shaheen Afridi gives befitting answer to Suryakumar Yadav
Shaheen Afridi hits back at Suryakumar Yadav’s claim that India vs Pakistan is no longer a rivalry, insisting the Asia Cup 2025 final could redefine the contest.
Last Updated: 05.27 PM, Sep 24, 2025
The build-up to the Asia Cup 2025 has taken another twist, with Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi issuing a bold response to India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav. Earlier this week, Suryakumar had played down the historic India–Pakistan rivalry, claiming that one-sided results in recent years meant the word “rivalry” no longer applied.
Afridi, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, dismissed that view and hinted that the Asia Cup final could be the perfect stage to settle the debate.
"That's his view, let him say. When we meet (in the likely Asia Cup final on Sunday), we will see kya hai, kya nahi. Tab dekh lenge. We are here to win the Asia Cup and we will give our best effort for that," Afridi said.
Rivalry debate sparks tension ahead of India vs Pakistan match
The discussion around the Indo-Pak rivalry has intensified ever since India’s commanding victory earlier in the tournament. For many in the Indian camp, including Suryakumar, the results speak for themselves. But Afridi stressed that judging a rivalry on a handful of matches is unfair.
Afridi also downplayed suggestions that Pakistan would look to stir controversy with aggressive on-field gestures or tactics. He explained that the team’s focus remains on playing competitive cricket, not engaging in distractions.
For Afridi personally, the debate has added fuel to his determination. Known for his fiery opening spells and ability to swing matches with the new ball, he said he is prepared to contribute in every department, whether bowling, fielding, or even adding handy runs with the bat.
As both India and Pakistan eye a potential rematch in the Asia Cup 2025 final, Afridi’s response has reignited the age-old narrative. For fans, the question lingers: is the rivalry fading, or will the next clash prove it still burns as fiercely as ever?