The Pakistan Cricket Team came for the eagerly awaited World Cup 2023 to a red carpet welcome at the Hyderabad airport, straight out of a Bollywood blockbuster. The players were greeted by a flurry of ardent fans, loud shouts, and an exhilarating atmosphere, with rigorous security measures ensuring their safe transit to the team bus.
The excitement of cricket-crazy fans peaked as the Pakistan Cricket Team stepped off of their plane. Of course, the Indian paparazzi’s exhibition of adoration was the star of the show. Indian paparazzi, who previously lavished Tom “Tommy” Holland and Nick “Nickwa” Jonas with affection, now have a new muse, whom they refer to as “Babar Bhai.”
Babar Azam, the cricketing juggernaut who was being hounded by paparazzi, did not let down the enthusiastic fans. He greeted the fervent supporters by waving and occasionally pausing to speak with them, wearing a bright, if bewildered smile. The recently married Shaheen Shah Afridi was spotted joking around with a few security personnel who turned out to be supporters in disguise while Babar waved.
Someone arrived in India 👑#BabarAzam𓃵 | #WorldCup2023 #Hyderabad | #INDvsAUS
— World Cup 🏏 (@World_Cup_23) September 27, 2023
Videos of these exchanges with the paparazzi and security guards naturally spread swiftly on social media in this day of instant sharing and meme culture. The outcome? a hilarious avalanche of memes and fan tweaks. One X user posted manipulated videos of the team being welcomed into the neighboring nation along with the message, “Welcome to India, Babar Azam and Team Pakistan.” The right soundtrack for the situation was provided by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s emotionally stirring singing.
Welcome to India, Babar Azam and Team Pakistan.#BabarAzam𓃵 #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/GCsuSjgobI
— Aarz-e-ishq (@Aarzaai_Ishq) September 28, 2023
Another user of the microblogging site commented, “Man, these guys deserved this hospitality,” while sharing a clip of Babar chatting with fans while wearing an orange dupatta.
Man, these guys Deserved this Hospitality👌🏽💯.#WorldCup #WorldCup2023 #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/MYNTwZ2Qz5
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) September 27, 2023
The cheers that surrounding the squad were noted by another X user, who said, “To be completely honest, I didn’t expect such a nice greeting of our team in India. It was very [heartwarming] to hear people chanting “Babar, Babar” on the highway and in the airport. This is the poster child for the idea that social media isn’t always telling the whole story.
To be very honest, I didn’t expect such a great welcome of our team in India. The chants of “Babar, Babar” on road & at the airport were so warming. This is an epitome of what you see on social media isn’t the entire truth.🔥❤️#BabarAzam𓃵 #PakistanCricketTeam #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/I5O1Gou4vK
— ying U (@statpad_R) September 27, 2023
In another video, the team is surrounded by cheering supporters and paparazzi alike, with Haris Rauf at the center of the attention. The Hindi voice of a man can be heard stating, “Haris Rauf…he looks so good.” Another X user responded by saying that the declaration would allow them to live “rent-free for the unforeseeable future.”
“Haris Rauf…kiya dikh raha hai smart” he’s me pic.twitter.com/r5I8SSvMfE
— P.✨ (@PreetyThakur22) September 27, 2023
“Haris Rauf, Haris … KYA dikh raha hai SMART” will live in my head rent free for the unforseeable future 🤣😭
— Rutaba | رُطابہ (@rtnvir) September 27, 2023
Memes were shared as well, of course. “The moment Babar Azam stepped on Indian soil,” one X user wrote, adding a video showing the industrialization and agricultural growth that followed a man’s touch.
THE MOMENT BABAR AZAM STEPPED ON INDIAN SOIL: pic.twitter.com/7YYKbtLwK9
— c (@gayomarlic) September 27, 2023
One person posted a link to a recently popular video of Rakhi Sawant shooing away a would-be photog. “Babar bhai at the airport,” read the caption. Give us the chance to shout “Virat Bhai, Rahul Bhai” too, the user pleaded.
babar bhai at the airport pic.twitter.com/kioYng02tz
— Faizan. (@thoraoffbeat) September 27, 2023
humein bhi kabhi aise virat bhai rahul bhai chillane ka moqa do
— Faizan. (@thoraoffbeat) September 27, 2023
It’s safe to say that the welcoming reception given to the Pakistan Cricket Team at the Hyderabad airport not only captured the hearts of cricket fans but also sparked a sweet moment of togetherness between cricket adversaries. The anticipation leading up to the World Cup 2023 promises to be palpable on and off the field.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.