Pakistan squad touches down in India for World Cup 2023

Pakistan squad touches down in India for World Cup 2023

LAHORE (Web Desk) - Pakistan's national cricket team have landed in India for the eagerly awaited World Cup, slated to kick off on October 5.

The team, led by the inspiration of Babar Azam, arrived at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday.

Under strict security measures, the Pakistan squad will be accompanied from the airport to their accommodation. In preparation for their inaugural World Cup match against the Netherlands on October 6, Pakistan is gearing up for warm-up matches.

Their initial warm-up clash is scheduled against New Zealand on September 29 (Friday).

Earlier, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam asked the cricket fans for prayers and best wishes for the national cricket team leaving for the coveted crown. 

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), the captain shared his pictures with the national team mentioning, “As we head for the World Cup, we seek prayers of all the Pakistan cricket team fans and well-wishers. I am certain that you will continue to extend your support and love, which you have always done.”

As we head for the World Cup, we seek prayers of all the Pakistan cricket team fans and well-wishers. I am certain that you will continue to extend your support and love, which you have always done. Pakistan Zindabad pic.twitter.com/ZiMJIfCBfd

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 27, 2023

Pakistan's first match 

Pakistan will play their first warm-up match on Sept 29 against New Zealand and the second and last against Australia on Oct 3. Babar Azam-led Paki­stan will play their opening match of the ICC World Cup against the Netherlands on Oct 6. 

High-morale  

Pakistan’s cricket team captain for the ICC World Cup 2023, Babar Azam said that the players’ morale was very high and they would try their best to perform well in the mega event.

Speaking to media before departure for India, Azam said the national team had worked hard and the recent experience in Asia Cup would help do their utmost during the cup. 

Answering a question, he said preparatory training sessions for the World Cup were not conducted because it was a week after the Asia Cup and the players needed rest to avoid fatigue.

He denied reports about pressure on the team while playing in India, saying the players would attract fans attention by playing well.

Pakistan squad 

Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr

Travelling reserves: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris, Zaman Khan