Pakistan star backs Suryakumar Yadav’s 'no rivalry' claim on IND vs PAK, risks ban

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has backed Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s statement that the India–Pakistan cricket rivalry has lost its intensity. While his comments appear to be honest and rooted in recent results, they may have inadvertently sparked discontent within his own national setup.

The India–Pakistan rivalry once again dominated headlines during the Men’s Asia Cup 2025. Known for his calm demeanor, Suryakumar Yadav found himself at the center of controversy after making a bold remark during a press conference.

India met Pakistan three times in the tournament—during the group stage, the Super 4s, and the final—and came out victorious on each occasion with clinical performances. Following the second win, Suryakumar stated that the “rivalry” narrative between the two nations no longer held weight. He explained that for a rivalry to exist, both teams must have competitive results—something like a 7–7 or 8–7 record over 15–20 matches. Instead, the current record, he said, stood heavily in India’s favor, around 13–0 or 10–1, making it a one-sided affair.

Supporting Suryakumar’s claim, Azam Khan, son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, said in a recent podcast,

“If you look at ICC tournaments, I think… I don’t know if I should say this, but technically, he is correct.”

He admitted that the once-fiery rivalry no longer carries the same edge it used to.

Also Read: How Suryakumar Yadav can get back his top T20I form?

The 27-year-old wicketkeeper, who last played for Pakistan in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, has featured in 14 T20Is. His father, Moin Khan, has previously criticized Pakistan’s selectors for not giving Azam consistent opportunities despite being chosen as the first-choice wicketkeeper before the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan had a poor run, exiting early from the T20 World Cup and later failing to win a single match in the Champions Trophy on home soil.

During the same podcast, Azam made further revelations, claiming that some Pakistan players share confidential team information with journalists, including details of the playing XI. He alleged that these players use their media ties for personal benefit, harming team unity.

According to him, such acts are “betrayals” and those involved should be stripped of their central contracts and treated as threats to the team’s integrity.