The fervor of cricket enthusiasts reached its peak as the Pakistan Cricket Team touched down in Hyderabad, India, in preparation for the highly anticipated ICC World Cup 2023.
The team's arrival was met with an electrifying reception from Indian fans, who showered them with affection and chants of "Babar Bhai" and "Shaheen Afridi."
Amidst tight security measures to ensure the players' safety, the atmosphere at Hyderabad airport was nothing short of exhilarating.
Captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Babar Azam, acknowledged the passionate crowd by waving and smiling at fans who affectionately referred to him as "Babar Bhai."
Wherever he goes, there is only one name on everybody’s lips…
— Cricket & Stuff (@cricketandstuff) September 27, 2023
Babar Azam.
The King has arrived in Hyderabad💥 pic.twitter.com/oWMeriyKze
Babar XI
The Pakistan squad, consisting of 18 players and 13 support personnel, left Lahore in the early hours and made a brief stopover in Dubai before reaching India. They were escorted by more than 20 security cars as they made their way to their hotel.
Pakistan's journey in India kicks off with two warm-up matches, with the first against New Zealand scheduled for September 29 and the second against Australia on October 3, both to be played in Hyderabad.
The ICC Men's World Cup 2023 officially commences on October 5, with defending champions England taking on 2019 runners-up New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
First encounter
Pakistan's first World Cup encounter will be against the Netherlands on October 6 at the same stadium in Hyderabad. With high hopes and the support of enthusiastic fans, Babar Azam and his team are gearing up for an exciting and challenging tournament ahead.
This heartwarming reception in India symbolizes the power of cricket to transcend borders and unite fans in their shared love for the game. As the World Cup draws near, anticipation is building, and cricket enthusiasts from both India and Pakistan eagerly await the clash of titans on the cricket field.