Pakistan’s newly re-appointed captain Babar Azam expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support his team received from Indian fans during their World Cup journey in India.
Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, recently shared his reflections on facing India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He delved into his post-match interactions with seasoned Indian batsman Virat Kohli. Furthermore, he expressed his fondness for the delectable delights of Hyderabadi biryani and samosa chaat during the tournament held in October-November.
Speaking about the unexpected chants of his name by fans in India, the 29-year-old admitted his surprise. It was indeed his maiden experience playing in India, and he confessed to having limited knowledge about the country at the time.
“Mai India se expect nahi kar raha tha (I was not expecting it from India),” Babar Azam said on Zalmi TV about fans chanting his name in India.
“Mai bilkul nahi expect kar raha tha. Mai first time ja raha tha Indian mujhe wahaan ka koi knowledge nahi tha (I was not expecting it at all. It was my first time in India and I had no knowledge about the country).
“Maine baat ki thi wahaan ke conditions and all lekin jab hum wahaan utre aur jaisa unhone welcome diya wo outstanding tha (I have spoken to people about the playing condition and all but the welcome we’re given at Hyderabad airport was outstanding),” he said.
Babar mentions that during the World Cup, the Pakistan cricket team received overwhelming love and support from Indian fans throughout their time in India.
“Wo ek alag experience tha. Unka pyar tha, logo ne bahut pyar diya humey, bahut appreciate kiya (It was a different experience. It was their love, Indian people gave us so much love, they appreciated our cricket).
“Humare practice matches mey log aaye yaar, pura stadium packed tha. Hyderabad mey pura stadium packed tha (Even in our practice games, people were cheerring for us. The entire stadium in Hyderabad was jam packed,” he said.
Babar says it was a different vibe playing against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
“It was a different vibe. The entire stadium was see of blue. You are playing in India you can expect it. But in other venues, we also received expectional support as well,” he further said.
Babar shared insights into his interactions with Virat Kohli after matches, highlighting the camaraderie they share on the field. He also expressed his appreciation for conversing with cricketing greats like Steven Smith of Australia and Kane Williamson of New Zealand whenever they cross paths during games.
“I always try and talk to him whenever we play against each other. I always ask him few questions and he helps me with it. Not only him, I also talk a lot to Steve Smith and Kane Williamson, when we play against Australia and New Zealand, respectively. I had a good chat with Virat Kohli, there are things that we talk about that I can’t share here but it was fruitful,” he added.
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