News DeskHyderabad, India – Pakistan’s cricket team has arrived in India for the ODI World Cup, marking their first visit to the country in seven years. The team’s journey to India was not without its challenges, as their visas were approved just two days prior to their arrival. Due to limited security availability during ongoing festivities, their first warm-up match against New Zealand, scheduled for Friday, will be held behind closed doors.
The limited cricketing encounters between Pakistan and India in recent years have been primarily confined to multi-nation series, owing to political tensions between the two neighboring nations. The arrival of the Pakistani contingent in India has, therefore, garnered significant attention and excitement.
Upon landing at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the Pakistani team received an enthusiastic welcome from thousands of fans, eager to catch a glimpse of some of the cricketing world’s biggest stars, who were visiting India for the first time.
Expressing his gratitude for the warm reception, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, shared his thoughts on Instagram, saying, “Overwhelmed with the love and support here in Hyderabad.” Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan also extended his appreciation for the hospitality, remarking, “Amazing reception from the people here. Everything was super smooth. Looking forward to the next one and a half months.” Pacer Shaheen Afridi joined in, thanking the locals for their “great welcome.”
Pakistan’s World Cup campaign will kick off with a match against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6, followed by a showdown with Sri Lanka at the same venue four days later. The most anticipated clash against India is scheduled for October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with a staggering capacity of 132,000. Cricket enthusiasts on both sides of the border eagerly await the fierce competition and camaraderie that these tournaments bring to the field.
