Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, during the ICC Captain’s Day for World Cup 2023 on Wednesday, shared insights into the warm reception the Pakistan team has experienced in India.
At the event, all ten captains of the participating teams, including Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma, Pat Cummins, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson, Dasun Shanaka, Temba Bavuma, Shakib Al Hasan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Scott Edwards, gathered for a press conference and a photo session
During the press conference, Babar expressing gratitude remarked, “We received a great welcome with lots of hospitality, which we weren’t expecting. We’ve been in Hyderabad for a week, but we don’t feel like we’re in India – we feel like we’re at home,” Babar said.
Reflecting on the support, Babar Azam expressed a desire for Pakistani fans to have the opportunity to come to India and cheer for the team.
“It would have been better if Pakistan fans also got a chance to come to India and support us,” he added.
Discussing the playing conditions, Babar noted the similarity between India and Pakistan’s conditions, with the only distinction being the shorter boundaries in India.
“We have played two games till now and the conditions in India are similar to what we have in Pakistan. The only difference is that the boundaries are shorter here, so batsman can take advantage if bowlers deviate from their line,” he said.
During the discussion, a journalist raised the question, pondering whether both teams, England and New Zealand, should have been announced as joint winners of the 2019 World Cup, given the intensity and closeness of the final match.
Responding to the question with a grin, Indian skipper playfully remarked, “Kya yaar, this is not my job to announce winners.”
Babar joined in the laughter, and Jos Buttler sought a translation of Rohit’s response in English from Babar. Pakistan skipper gladly provided the explanation, adding a jovial atmosphere to the event.
— Bhole Chature (@memekidiwani) October 4, 2023
The World Cup is set to begin in from October 5, with the opening match between New Zealand and defending champions England in Ahmedabad.
Pakistan will play their first match against Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad.
