CWC 2023: WATCH – “Felt like we had won the World Cup,” Rizwan recalls the welcome Pakistan team received in Hyderabad

Pakistani players were moved by the warm reception they received upon landing in India.

By Salman Anjum - 01 Oct, 2023

Pakistan cricket team landed in India on Wednesday (September 27) to take part in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

The squad, led by Babar Azam, arrived in Hyderabad via Dubai and received a warm reception from the Indian fans outside the airport.

The Pakistani players soaked in the welcome and waved to the fans before boarding their bus to the hotel, where they were also given a rousing welcome by the staff.

Three days later, Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan recalled the welcome the team received upon arriving in the neighboring country.

"We stepped out of the airport and the way people's cheers echoed, believe me, I felt like we had won the World Cup and had come back to Karachi or Lahore airport," Rizwan said in a video posted by PCB on social media platform X.

The wicketkeeper-batter also opened up on discussing the heartwarming moment with other players while adding that they "got goosebumps".

In the end, Rizwan hoped that Pakistan could reciprocate the same warmth towards the Indian players one day.

"I will always remember this and I hope that if India ever gets a chance to play in Pakistan, then we can reciprocate with more love."

Here’s the video:

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.

By Salman Anjum - 01 Oct, 2023

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