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As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. The Pakistani cricket team, led by Babar Azam, recently arrived in India for the marquee tournament and received a heartwarming welcome in Hyderabad.
It is worth mentioning that this marks the first visit of the Pakistan cricket team to India in seven years and many eminent Pakistan players took to social media to express their appreciation for the warm reception they received upon arriving in the ‘city of pearls.’
A grand welcome in Hyderabad
Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2023 squad touched down at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Wednesday (September 28). The team, along with their support staff, was greeted with jubilant fans and great hospitality by the Indian management, filling the atmosphere with positivity and enthusiasm.
Babar Azam’s gratitude
Pakistan skipper Babar took to his Instagram to share his feelings about the warm welcome in Hyderabad and said that he is overwhelmed by the love and support.
“Overwhelmed with love and support here in Hyderabad,” Babar wrote on his Instagram story.
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Mohammad Rizwan’s appreciation
The wicket-keeper batter and a crucial part of the Pakistani squad, Mohammad Rizwan, also expressed his appreciation on X ( formerly Twitter). He wrote, “Amazing reception from the people here. Everything was super smooth. Looking forward to the next 1.5 months.”
Amazing reception from the people here. Everything was super smooth. Looking forward to the next 1.5 months 😇
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) September 27, 2023
Rizwan’s positive outlook and excitement for the upcoming matches resonated with fans on social media.
Shaheen Afridi’s praise
Pakistan pace sensation Shaheen Afridi joined in as well in sharing his thoughts on the grand welcome. He took to Instagram, saying, “Great welcome thus far.”
Pakistan’s campaign in World Cup 2023
As the official ODI World Cup 2023 games are set to begin on October 5, Pakistan’s journey in the tournament is set to kick off from October 6 against the Netherlands. Although the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the Green Team’s opening clash, they will lock horns with New Zealand on Friday (September 29) in a warm-up game ahead of the official fixtures. Meanwhile, their much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals India is scheduled for October 14 in Ahmedabad.
