As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, is filled with excitement. He reflects on the warm welcome his team has received on Indian soil after a seven-year absence. Babar expresses his delight at the enthusiastic reception the Pakistan cricket team experienced in Hyderabad, a city renowned for its passionate cricket fans.

When questioned about the initial concerns of potentially intimidating receptions in India, the 28-year-old candidly admits to those worries. However, his perspective underwent a remarkable transformation upon experiencing the incredible hospitality from the moment they landed in Hyderabad. He eagerly anticipates even greater support and hopes to see Pakistani fans cheering for their team in every match and at every venue.

“To be honest, we also heard that. But since the time we arrived in Hyderabad, the kind of hospitality we’ve received and the kind of welcome we had from the airport to the hotel…even in the last match at the ground we felt very good. It’ll be even better if we have our fans come as well. And hopefully, we get that kind of support in every match and at every ground, so looking forward to that,” says Babar, as quoted by Cricbuzz.