Teams have started gathering in the country as India is set to host the 16th edition of the ODI World Cup. The Indian Cricket Board and passionate Indian fans are giving great hospitality to the travelling players. India’s hospitality has shocked and impressed the Pakistan cricket team too, which is travelling to India after a gap of seven years.
Upon arriving in India, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan shared glimpses of fans from the airport to the team hotel. Both thanked them for their hospitality and support. It is worth noting that Pakistan had a long nine-hour layover in Dubai before visiting India. However, they did not mind it, as the visa issues were quickly resolved by the Indian government.
Here is the video of Pakistan’s touchdown in India:
The beautiful hospitality of India and Indian people during the arrival of the Pakistani team.
The World Cup is gonna be top notch affair!pic.twitter.com/8FtZWri07r
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 28, 2023
The Babar Azam-led Men in Green will face New Zealand in a warmup game at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on September 29. They will also face Australia at the same venue on October 3. It is worth noting that only two players out of the 18 members of the Pakistani squad have experience playing in Indian conditions. Agha Salman and all-rounder Mohammed Nawaz participated in the T20 World Cup 2016.
“I’m excited to play in Ahmedabad”, says Babar Azam
Before departing for India, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam addressed a press conference in Lahore. While speaking about his expectations from the tournament as he is going there for the first time, Babar expressed his excitement. He said, “I am excited to play in Ahmedabad, as it will be jam-packed. I will try my best to perform up to my potential. I am not worried about my individual accolades; I want to make sure whatever I do helps the team,” Babar told reporters.
It is worth noting that after playing the first two games against qualifier teams in Hyderabad, Pakistan will face hosts India on October 14. They will meet at the world’s largest cricket stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Babar and company will look to register their first-ever victory against India in the ODI World Cup, while India will look to continue their winning streak against their neighbours.
