On Wednesday, the Pakistan cricket squad touched down in India via Dubai, landing at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
The contingent consists of 18 players and 13 support staff members, with a security entourage comprising over 20 vehicles to ensure their secure transit to the hotel. This swift return occurred merely two days after their departure to Dubai, and they are now preparing for their first practice match against New Zealand, scheduled for Friday.
Both their bowling coach, Morne Morkel, and the team’s director, Mickey Arthur, are set to join them, with Morkel heading to Dubai and Arthur to India, respectively. Pakistan’s World Cup campaign is set to commence on October 6 with a match against the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, the most eagerly anticipated event in their campaign is the impending showdown against arch-rivals India on October 14 in Ahmedabad.
There was some initial uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation due to visa delays. However, this issue was resolved after India promptly issued the required visas following a complaint filed with the ICC. Captain Babar Azam had sought the prayers of fans before their departure for India, further heightening the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming tournament.