Pakistan cricket team landed in India last week to take part in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, starting on October 5.

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.

On the eve of the World Cup opener, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said his team "was not expecting" the welcome they have received in India, claiming "it's like we are at home".

"I think the hospitality was nice - we were not expecting this, but I think the way people are responding towards our team, everyone enjoyed it," Azam said while speaking during the ICC's 'Captain's Day' event in Ahmedabad.

"We are a week in Hyderabad so it is not like we are in India, it is like we are home. I think it's a golden opportunity for everyone to give their 100 percent and enjoy the tournament."

The cricket world has been deprived of the fierce rivalry between India and Pakistan because of political tension between the two countries.

India and Pakistan haven't played a bilateral cricket since 2012-13. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

"The moment we landed in Hyderabad, the way people welcomed us from the airport to the hotel and even on the ground in the last (warm-up) match, we felt good," said Babar.

He added: "It would have been better if we had fans from our side. We will hope to get such support in every match, in every stadium, in every match."

While the players of other participating teams have the experience of playing on Indian pitches due to their appearance in the Indian Premier League, Pakistani cricketers are banned from taking part in the cash-rich league.

However, Babar Azam does not see this as a disadvantage in their World Cup planning.

"There is no pressure at all. The (India) conditions are similar to Pakistan and Asia," he said

"It's just that the boundaries are small here and the bowlers have little margin for error.

"It will big scoring and you will have to adapt to that. So we will have to play to the best of our ability and give our best shot."

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

(With AFP Inputs)