“The top four is a small goal for us. We want to come out as winners,” says Babar Azam

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has expressed amazement at the reception his team has received in India. Babar admitted to having a change of heart after landing in Hyderabad, where they’ve played two warm-up games and are due to play their opening pair of games of the tournament.

The 28-year-old was overjoyed after the Pakistan squad was greeted warmly in India. The Pakistan cricket team arrived in India after seven years and was greeted warmly in Hyderabad. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi all took to social media to thank the Indians for their hospitality.

When questioned about his initial reservations about a possible frightening welcome in India, the 28-year-old was forthright. However, after witnessing the great hospitality from the minute they landed in Hyderabad, his attitude changed dramatically. He am looking forward to seeing more Pakistani supporters applauding for their team in every match and at every site.

“To be honest, we also heard that. But since the time we arrived in Hyderabad, the kind of hospitality we’ve received and the kind of welcome we had from the airport to the hotel…even in the last match at the ground we felt very good. It’ll be even better if we have our fans come as well. And hopefully we get that kind of support in every match and at every ground, so looking forward that.” explained Babar Azam.

The entrance of Pakistan in India sparked much discussion about visa issues, some of which have been resolved, with some journalists also due to visit. The prospect of supporters crossing the border is still unknown, but Babar wishes for it anyway.

During the pre-departure news conference, the right-hander stated that Pakistan’s emphasis is on winning the World Cup and that they are hungry to do it.

“The top four is a small goal for us. We want to come out as winners. We did not have enough time to put together a camp before the World Cup because we had been playing for too long continuously. Instead, we gave the players a break so they could come back refreshed and with the hunger to win. You play well when you have that hunger.” he added

“It’ll be even better if we have our fans come as well. And hopefully we get that kind of support in every match and at every ground, so looking forward to it,” he concluded.

The Pakistan cricket squad, which is presently in Hyderabad, is not just focused on sport but also on local flavours and culture. The team was recently photographed eating at the legendary ‘Jewel of Nizam,’ a dining venue noted for its superb Hyderabadi food.