The Pakistan cricket team has truly enjoyed itself since landing in India for the ODI World Cup 2023.
Since reaching Hyderabad, the Pakistan team has been full of praise for the hospitality their players have received in India.
After their first warm-up fixture against New Zealand in Hyderabad, Babar Azam’s men enjoyed a lavish dinner and also clicked a few selfies with the fans.
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s official Twitter (now X) account shared a video of the team’s dinner, where the players could be seen having a gala time.
After a spirited practice session and a less-than-ideal start with a loss to New Zealand in their first warm-up match on September 29, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team decided to unwind and rejuvenate.
Their chosen method?A lavish team dinner in the heart of Hyderabad. As they disembarked from their team bus, the players were welcomed with bead garlands and roses, a testament to the warmth of the locals’ hospitality. Thunderous applause filled the air as the Men in Green entered the restaurant, setting the tone for a memorable evening.
With beef not available to all the 10 participating teams in India, Pakistan will rely on chicken, mutton, and fish for their daily protein intake. The team’s diet chart, in possession of PTI, includes grilled lamb chops, mutton curry, the hugely popular butter chicken, and grilled fish.
For their carbohydrate intake, the team has asked the stadium caterer for steamed basmati rice, spaghetti in Bolognese sauce, a favourite of the late Shane Warne, and vegetarian pulao. Given that the Pakistan team will be in Hyderabad for almost two weeks, they may also enjoy the famous Hyderabadi biryani as a special treat.
As Pakistan gears up for their second warm-up match against Australia on October 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the team is undoubtedly boosted by the support and camaraderie they have experienced in India. Their World Cup journey will officially begin on October 6 when they face Netherlands at the same venue. With the enthusiastic backing of their fans, Pakistan is determined to make a mark in the tournament.
In other news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised concerns about visa approvals for Pakistan fans and media. They have urged the Apex Council to expedite the visa policy so that fans and journalists can support and cover the team during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
With the tournament already underway, there is a growing sense of anxiety among Pakistan’s cricket enthusiasts. Pakistan’s vice-captain, Shadab Khan, shared his thoughts on playing in
India after a seven-year gap. He expressed that the conditions in India are similar to Pakistan, making it feel like home for the team.
Shadab believes that the team with a strong bowling attack will have the upper hand in the ODI World Cup due to the flat tracks and small boundaries in India.
Regarding his own form, Shadab acknowledged a recent rough patch but expressed confidence after getting much-needed rest post the Asia Cup.
Lastly, Shadab Khan extended support to FakharZaman, who has faced criticism for his recent performances. Shadab emphasized Fakhar’s impact on the team and highlighted his ability to turn the game in Pakistan’s favour with his explosive batting.
As the Pakistan cricket team continues their journey in the ODI World Cup 2023, the camaraderie, support from fans, and determination to succeed are the driving forces behind their quest for cricketing glory.—NNI
