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After a significant delay in the processing of visas, the Pakistan Cricket team has finally received clearance to travel to India for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. Visas for the Green Team were successfully approved on Monday, and the squad is scheduled to touch down in India on Wednesday, with a transit stop in Dubai.
While most of Pakistan’s CWC) squad members have yet to have the opportunity to play in India, their esteemed skipper, Babar Azam, has assured that the team has meticulously prepared and completed their homework. They are eager to showcase their prowess and charisma in the upcoming ICC event.
It is worth noting that Mohammad Nawaz and Agha Salman are the sole two players on the roster with prior experience competing on Indian soil. Meanwhile, skipper Babar missed the rare opportunity to participate in the T20 World Cup 2016 on Indian grounds due to an unfortunate injury.
On Tuesday, Babar attended the pre-departure press conference in Islamabad, where he eloquently outlined his team’s collective approach, the overarching objectives and the unwavering attitude they carry with themselves.
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“We are not taking too much pressure”: Babar Azam
During the press conference, Babar said that his team is impeccably prepared to compete in India. He emphasized that his teammates diligently conducted the necessary research and are fully equipped for the challenges ahead.
“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,” said Babar.
‘There is love and respect there’: Babar on dressing room environment
The right-handed-batter also addressed the rumours of dressing room disputes between him and the left-arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi, following Pakistan’s humiliating defeat against Sri Lanka in the recently-concluded Asia Cup.
Babar promptly clarified that the entire team functions like a close-knit family and everything is harmonious, in good order within the dressing room.
“There is no ill will in the dressing room. There are discussions after every loss but they get twisted into something else entirely. The entire team is like a family and there is love and respect there,” the 28-year-old added.
