HYDERABAD: Pakistan’s versatile cricket captain, Babar Azam, expressed his deep appreciation for the warm reception he and his team received upon their arrival in India, where they are set to participate in the highly anticipated ICC World Cup 2023.
The Pakistani World Cup-bound squad touched down at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on a memorable Wednesday evening, escorted to their team hotel under stringent security measures.
This historic visit marked the Pakistan cricket team’s return to India after a hiatus since 2016. Their arrival sparked a surge of enthusiasm as a massive crowd gathered to greet them.
Despite the necessary security precautions, passionate cricket fans couldn’t contain their excitement, filling the air with cheers and chants for their beloved Pakistan team captain, Babar Azam. In a gesture of gratitude, Babar reciprocated with waves of appreciation.
Under Babar’s leadership, Team Pakistan is gearing up to commence their World Cup journey with a showdown against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad. Interestingly, this city will also host their warm-up clashes against formidable opponents New Zealand and Australia.
Here is the Squad for Pakistan’s squad in the ICC World Cup 2023:
Captain: Babar Azam
Squad Members: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.
Travelling Reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan
Pakistan’s warm-up match schedule includes:
- September 29: Pakistan vs. New Zealand in Hyderabad
- October 3: Pakistan vs. Australia in Hyderabad
Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:
- October 6: Pakistan vs. Netherlands in Hyderabad
- October 10: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
- October 14: Pakistan vs. India in Ahmedabad
- October 20: Pakistan vs. Australia in Bengaluru
- October 23: Pakistan vs. Afghanistan in Chennai
- October 27: Pakistan vs. South Africa in Chennai
- October 31: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh in Kolkata
- November 4: Pakistan vs. New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
- November 11: Pakistan vs. England in Kolkata
The day matches are scheduled to begin at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, commencing at 01:30 pm (PST).