Azam Khan, the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter, has recently voiced his support for Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav's assessment of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, stirring discussions among fans and experts alike. Yadav's initial remarks, made after a Super Fours stage clash in the T20 Asia Cup 2025, suggested that the perceived rivalry between the two nations is no longer as intense as it once was.
Yadav had stated, "I feel we should stop asking questions about the [India-Pakistan] rivalry. What matters is whether a team plays good cricket or not". He further elaborated that a true rivalry exists when teams are evenly matched over a significant number of contests, suggesting a close win-loss record. In contrast, India has consistently dominated Pakistan in recent years, particularly in major tournaments. He said that if two teams play 15–20 matches and the score is 7-all or 8–7, then that's a rivalry, but a score of 13-0 or 10-1 does not constitute a rivalry.
Khan's agreement with Yadav's viewpoint has raised eyebrows, especially considering the historical significance and emotional weight attached to India-Pakistan matches. These encounters are often high-pressure affairs, drawing massive viewership and generating intense national pride on both sides of the border.
Speaking on a podcast with Cricwick, Azam Khan stated, “If you look at ICC tournaments, I think… I don't know if I should say this, but technically, he is correct". The 27-year-old, who last represented Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, alluded to India's consistent victories in ICC events as a justification for his agreement. Since 2022, India has maintained a dominant run against Pakistan in white-ball cricket. Most recently, India defeated Pakistan to win the T20 Asia Cup 2025.
Suryakumar's comments came after India's dominant victory in the Asia Cup, which further solidified their winning streak against Pakistan in white-ball cricket. Since the Asia Cup in 2022, India has not lost to Pakistan in any format.
While Azam Khan's comments appear to be grounded in recent results, some fear they might create friction within the Pakistan squad. Some critics perceive such statements as "betrayals," suggesting that players expressing such views should face consequences, including the potential revocation of their central contracts.
Adding another layer to the tensions between the two cricketing boards is the ongoing Asia Cup trophy dispute. Following India's victory, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), reportedly withheld the trophy because the Indian team declined to receive it directly from him. This matter is expected to be addressed at an upcoming ICC board meeting in Dubai.
