Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistani team, claimed that his squad “was not expecting” the warm welcome they had gotten in India and that “it feels like we are at home.”
Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistani team, claimed on Wednesday that his squad “was not expecting” the warm welcome they had gotten in India and that “it’s like we are at home.”
Last week, Babar Azam and the Pakistani team traveled to Hyderabad under heavy security for two exhibition games before their tournament opener against the Netherlands on Friday.
Azam remarked in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, “I think the hospitality was nice – we weren’t expecting this, but I think the way people are responding to our team, everyone enjoyed it.”
On October 14, Pakistan and India will play in a stadium in Ahmedabad with a 132,000-person capacity.
“Since we’ve been in Hyderabad for a week, it feels more like home than like we’re in India. I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to participate fully and enjoy the competition.
Azam remarked, “We felt good the moment we landed in Hyderabad. The way people welcomed us from the airport to the hotel and even on the field in the last (warm-up) match.
But he continued, “Had we had supporters from our side, it would have been better. We will aspire to receive such backing at every game, in every venue, at every game.
Due to their participation in the Indian Premier League, many of the players at the World Cup are familiar with Indian fields. Participation is prohibited for players from Pakistan.
Azam does not see this to be a detriment in their World Cup preparation, though.
“There is absolutely no pressure. Conditions in India are comparable to those in Asia and Pakistan, according to Azam.
“It’s just that there isn’t much room for error for the bowlers here because of the small boundaries.
“It will big scoring and you will have to adapt to that. So we will have to play to the best of our ability and give our best shot.” Azam said his team’s bowling, led by pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, remains their “strength”.
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