Dubai: Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi has responded to India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s recent statement downplaying the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, insisting that his team’s focus remains firmly on winning the T20 Asia Cup 2025.
After India’s six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Super Four clash, Suryakumar told reporters that the contests between the two nations no longer qualify as a rivalry, pointing out India’s dominant streak in recent encounters.
“You guys should stop asking questions about the rivalry between India and Pakistan. If the scoreline is even, it’s a rivalry. But 10-0, 10-1, I don’t think so. We’ve simply played better cricket than them, especially in bowling,” Suryakumar had said.
Shaheen’s Response
Reacting to those comments after Pakistan’s crucial five-wicket win on September 23, Afridi said:
“Let him say what he wants. Neither has he reached the final yet, nor have we. We will see when the time comes. Our job is to win, and we have come here to win the Asia Cup. We will do our best.”
Afridi’s Form & All-Round Role
Shaheen had a tough outing against India, going wicketless as India’s openers dominated him. However, he bounced back strongly with a 3/28 spell against Sri Lanka in a must-win match, keeping Pakistan’s campaign alive.
He also highlighted his role as a team player:
“My job is to give 100% — batting, fielding, bowling, whatever comes my way. Whether I am sick or injured, it should never show outside. My role is to lift team morale and bring energy on the field.”
What’s Next
Pakistan now gear up for their last Super Four clash against Bangladesh on September 25 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A win will likely secure their spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final, keeping their title hopes alive.
