In a significant moment for cricket fans across borders, the Pakistani cricket team, led by captain Babar Azam, has finally landed in Hyderabad ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023 in India. This arrival marks the first visit by Pakistan's men's cricket team to India in seven years, as the country prepares to host the prestigious tournament from October 5th to November 19th.
The journey to Hyderabad was not without its share of suspense. The Pakistani squad received their Indian visas just 48 hours before their scheduled travel, adding an extra layer of anticipation to their arrival. After a long nine-hour layover in Dubai, Babar Azam and his teammates touched down at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
Their campaign in the tournament kicks off with a warm-up game against 2019 runners-up New Zealand on September 29th, followed by a clash with the five-time champions, Australia, on October 3rd. However, the real sporting action begins when they face the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on October 6th.
For cricket enthusiasts worldwide, the highlight of the tournament will be the India-Pakistan encounter on October 14th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera. The anticipation for this match is palpable, and fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere.
Captain Babar Azam expressed his excitement about playing in Ahmedabad and is focused on contributing to the team's success. He emphasized that his goal is to help the team achieve positive results.
Notably, the Pakistani team received assurances from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their security and well-being during their stay in India. Zaka Ashraf, the head of the PCB management committee, expressed confidence that the team would face no issues during their time in India.
Two members of the current squad, Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha, have previously visited India for a showpiece event, adding to the team's experience in Indian conditions.
Here is the complete Pakistan World Cup squad:
- Babar Azam (c)
- Shadab Khan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Saud Shakeel
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Usama Mir
- Haris Rauf
- Hasan Ali
- Shaheen Afridi
- Mohammad Wasim
The arrival of the Pakistani cricket team in India for the ICC World Cup 2023 is a momentous occasion that transcends the boundaries of sport, showcasing the unifying power of cricket on the global stage. Fans eagerly await the thrilling matches and memorable moments that this tournament promises to deliver.