Pakistan cricketers floored by ‘unexpected’ welcome, hit nets 12 hours after arrival

Hyderabad, September 28 : “Zabardast. Maza aa gaya,” said Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf as he walked into the main nets of the Hyderabad Cricket Association ground and asked about “the overwhelming” welcome his team received at the airport barely 12 hours ago.

Indians’ love for the game is unmatched; therefore, fans chanting Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s name at the Hyderabad airport should not come as a surprise.

After all, one of the leading batters in the game had set foot on Indian soil for the first time alongside most of his teammates, marking Pakistan’s return to India after seven years.

The perpetual tension between the nations was clearly forgotten as fans were left in awe of Babar and Co. Within no time of their arrival, the Pakistan cricket team was “trending” in India.

Babar was clearly the fans’ favourite but the entire Pakistan squad was floored by the unexpected welcome. Barring Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha, it is the first visit to India for the rest of the squad.

“We did expect people to turn up at the ground but a proper welcome at the airport from fans, we did not see that coming. They had lined up for the team. It was wonderful to witness that, even the players got emotional about it,” a team source told sources.

Insta stories from Babar and Shaheen Afridi upon their arrival in the heavily guarded team hotel in Banjara Hills summed up their emotions.

“Overwhelmed with the love and support here in Hyderabad,” wrote Babar. Shaheen added “great welcome thus far”.