Rashid Latif, a former Pakistani wicketkeeper, has stated that the rivalry between India and Pakistan will exist until the conflict ends, contradicting India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav's declaration that there is no rivalry between the two sides. The latter's comments came following India's Super 4 victory over Pakistan.

The Dubai final on Sunday will be the first India-Pakistan title duel in the Asia Cup's 41-year history, adding a new chapter to cricket's deadliest rivalry.

Although the India-Pakistan encounter has long been seen as a 'rivalry,' Pakistan has fallen behind in terms of performance throughout the years. In the present Asia Cup, they have lost both matches against India.

“There will be rivalry. Jab tak jung hai tab tak cricket ki rivalry rahegi. Ye khatam nahi hogi (as long as there is war, there will be rivalry in cricket). It will not end. But yes, India will continue to win. That is not a problem. But rivalry will always be there. It will continue," Latif told the Times of India.

The former Pakistan captain made a subtle jab at Suryakumar, who, after winning the Super 4 match between the arch rivals, claimed that there is no longer a competition between India and Pakistan.

“You guys (media) should stop asking about the rivalry. If the two teams are playing 15-20 games and the scoreline is 7-7 or 8-7, then it is called a rivalry. If the scoreline is 10-1 or 13-0—I don’t know the exact number—this isn’t a rivalry anymore," Suryakumar had said.

Latif further added that the pressure of the big game will always be heavier on India since Pakistan has nothing to lose.

“The disadvantage will be for India. India has everything to lose. Pakistan has nothing to lose; they are already underdogs. If Pakistan wins here, it will be very tough for BCCI and also for some players who have been very vocal about this tournament, be it the captain’s statement, the board’s stance, or Shubman Gill’s tweet," Latif said.