In a significant sporting event, the Pakistan cricket squad touched down in Hyderabad, India, on Wednesday, ready to participate in the eagerly anticipated ICC World Cup 2023. The national team’s journey to India involved a flight via Dubai, culminating in a warm welcome at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Excited crowds, held back by security officers, enthusiastically cheered and chanted the name of their skipper, Babar Azam, as they awaited the team’s arrival.
This marks Pakistan’s first visit to their neighboring country in seven years, with their previous journey to India occurring in 2016 for the T20 World Cup. The issuance of visas for the Pakistan squad by the Indian government on Monday, following several delays, was a pivotal development. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had expressed concerns over the visa issue and addressed them with the International Cricket Council.
A warm welcome in Hyderabad as we land on Indian shores 👏#WeHaveWeWill | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/poyWmFYIwK
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 27, 2023
The ICC World Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place from October 5th to November 19th in India. Pakistan’s inaugural match in the tournament is slated for October 6th against the Netherlands in Hyderabad. However, the most eagerly anticipated fixture against arch-rivals India will be held in Ahmedabad on October 14th.
Pakistan cricket team arrives in Hyderabad, its first visit to India in seven years to compete in ODI World Cup
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2023
Prior to the official tournament matches, the national team has scheduled two warm-up games. They will face New Zealand on September 29th and Australia on October 3rd. Initially, the team was set to depart for Dubai on September 25th and stay there for two days as part of their preparations.
The 15-member squad for this mega tournament was unveiled last week, with Inzamamul Haq, the Chief Selector of Cricket, making the announcement. Notable inclusions are bowler Hasan Ali, while star pacer Naseem Shah, who sustained an injury during the Asia Cup, is notably absent. Additionally, bowlers Faheem Ashraf, who was part of the Asia Cup squad, and Mohammad Hasnain were excluded from the final lineup.