Babar Azam Overwhelmed by Warm Reception in India Ahead of ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam Touched by Heartwarming Welcome in India Ahead of ICC World Cup 2023

As Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, set foot in India with the Men in Green for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, he found himself deeply moved by the affection and backing extended by Indian supporters.

Taking to his social media account, Babar Azam penned a message, saying, “Overwhelmed with the love and support here in Hyderabad.”

Earlier, another Pakistani cricketer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, had also praised the warm reception they received from Indian fans.

The Pakistan cricket squad arrived in Hyderabad amidst tight security on Wednesday night. This visit marks the team’s return to India after seven years. They arrived in the city via Dubai for their first tour of India in a long time.

Upon landing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the players and support staff boarded a special bus and checked into a prominent hotel in the city.

Babar Azam and some of his teammates acknowledged the cheers of a few fans and media personnel. Some security personnel even took photos with the players on their mobile phones.

Star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was seen engaged in conversation with a police officer.

Among those present at the airport to welcome the team was Chaudhry Abdul Jalil, Pakistan cricket’s most dedicated fan, fondly known as ‘Chacha.’

This visit to India by the Pakistan cricket team is a significant event, marking the first time in seven years. Their last appearance in India was during the T20 World Cup in 2016.

As part of their preparations, Pakistan is scheduled to play two warm-up matches in Hyderabad. The first warm-up game is against New Zealand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on September 29. It remains uncertain whether the Pakistani team will have a practice session at the stadium on Thursday due to a massive Ganesh immersion procession taking place on the same day.

In light of the Ganesh immersion and the Milad-un-Nabi procession in the city, the city police have requested organizers not to allow spectators into the stadium for the first warm-up match, which is scheduled for Saturday.

Pakistan’s second warm-up match is against Australia on October 3. Their World Cup journey begins with a match against the Netherlands on October 6, followed by a clash with Sri Lanka on October 10. The much-anticipated encounter against India is scheduled for October 14, and the team will then travel to Ahmedabad for this high-stakes match.