India’s welcoming attitude towards Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam during the ODI World Cup astonished him: We feel like we are at home,
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, claimed that his team “was not expecting” the cordial welcome they had received in India.
Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistani squad, claimed on Wednesday that his team “was not expecting” the warm welcome they had gotten in India, adding that “it’s like we are at home.”
Azam and the Pakistani team arrived in Hyderabad last week 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.”
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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.
India and Pakistan are fierce rivals that have experienced political turmoil for many years.
Cricket is the only sport the teams ever compete in against one another.
Nearly all of the players are visiting India for the first time; Pakistan last toured the country in 2016 for the T20 World Cup.
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 pitch 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.
“There will be high scoring, and you must adjust to that. Therefore, we must play to the best of our abilities and try our hardest.
Azam claimed that his team’s bowling, which is spearheaded by pace ace Shaheen Shah Afridi, continues to be a “strength”.
