Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, has lauded the reception of Pakistan’s cricket team in India ahead of the 2023 World Cup as “fantastic.”
He emphasized that the cordial welcome by Indian fans reflects the deep affection that people from both countries have for each other’s players.
Ashraf, as quoted in a PCB press release, stated, “Whenever India and Pakistan step onto the cricket field, they emerge as traditional rivals but not as enemies.”
Expressing hope that the “Men in Green” would continue to receive such warmth throughout the tournament, Ashraf highlighted that the Pakistani cricket teams have always been welcomed with warmth and cordiality, just as Indian cricket teams visiting Pakistan have been.
He underlined the significant role cricket plays in bridging the gap between the two nations, with cricketers from both countries enjoying immense popularity and love from fans in India and Pakistan.
The chairman of the managing committee also stressed that cricket matches between India and Pakistan garner exceptional global attention, making them more significant than other cricket contests.
Ashraf expressed his hope for future bilateral cricket matches between India and Pakistan, which would allow millions of cricket enthusiasts from both nations to witness the contests live.
It is worth noting that the Pakistan cricket team received an enthusiastic welcome upon their arrival in India for the 2023 World Cup earlier this week. Excited Indian fans gathered at the airport, cheering and shouting the name of team captain Babar Azam as the Pakistani contingent, comprising 18 players and 13-player support personnel, arrived in the southern Indian city for the one-day international (ODI) tournament set to open on October 5.
Acknowledging the warm reception by Indian fans, Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “Great welcome thus far!” Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan expressed his amazement at the reception received in Hyderabad.
