Pakistan cricket team arrived in India on Wednesday for the 2023 edition of the Men's ODI World Cup,

 

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi react to 'amazing' welcome in India ahead of the 2023 World Cup

Pakistan's cricket team reached India on Wednesday amid tight security to prepare to participate in the upcoming seven-week World Cup. The tour was Pakistan's first visit to India since 2016, and when they arrived at Hyderabad airport a crowd of excited fans, stopped by security personnel, cheered team captain Babar Azam and other players and chanted their names. The ODI tournament is scheduled to begin on October 5, with Pakistan starting its campaign the next day.

India and Pakistan have a history of political tension and international matches between the two countries are generally restricted to global and continental tournaments. However, Pakistan got a grand welcome in India on Wednesday and the players expressed their happiness over it on their official social media accounts. Team captain Babar Azam, star bowler Shaheen Afridi, and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan were among the players who took to social media to thank the Indian officials as well as the crowd.

Rizwan wrote on X

“Amazing reception from the people here. Everything was super smooth. Looking forward to the next 1.5 months,”

 

 

Babar and Shaheen posted stories on Instagram

"Overwhelmed with the love and support here in Hyderabad!"- Babar azam

“Hyderabad, India.
Great welcome thus far!”- Shaheen Afridi
 

 

The World Cup will feature 48 matches over 46 days across 10 different venues, culminating in the final on November 19. Pakistan has two practice matches scheduled - one against New Zealand on September 29 and the other against Australia on October 3, both of which will be played in the IPL. In Hyderabad. The game against New Zealand will be played behind closed doors following an assessment of security arrangements for a major festival that day.

Babar said he will miss his fans when he plays World Cup matches in India

During his pre-departure press conference in Pakistan, Babar said there is no pressure on Sydney but he will miss his fans when he plays World Cup matches in India.

"All of us are proud of travelling for the World Cup. Although we have not played in India before, we are not taking too much pressure. We have done our research and we have heard the conditions are similar to how they play out in other Asian countries. It is quite an honour for me to travel as the captain this time around, I hope we come back with a trophy this time.

“Unfortunately, we will be missing the fans. However, as far as I know, the games are all sold out so we will be playing in jam-packed stadiums. Although our fans will not be there, I know they will make sure their love is heard on social media. I have heard that the fans in India also show their love, although I have not experienced that as of yet but I am excited to play in India as well,” Babar added