INDIA: In a display of confidence and determination, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has declared that his team is prepared to face any opposition at any venue in India during the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. However, the team is currently awaiting government approval to participate in the tournament.
This announcement comes as cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the high-voltage clash between Pakistan and India at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on October 15, marking the first time these arch-rivals will meet on each other’s home turf since 2012.
Pakistan and India, bitter political adversaries, have traditionally faced each other only in international tournaments at neutral venues, with their encounters becoming some of the most fiercely contested matches in cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken the necessary steps by reaching out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as the interior and foreign ministries, to seek formal permission for the team’s participation in the prestigious event.
During a recent press conference, Babar Azam expressed his team’s commitment to focus on the World Cup as a whole, rather than fixating on a single opponent.
“I am thinking that we are going to play the World Cup, not just against India,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of defeating all the other teams to secure a place in the tournament’s final.
Babar Azam’s statement reflects the team’s strong belief in their abilities and their determination to perform at their best against any opposition they face.
The clash between Pakistan and India at the newly built Ahmedabad Stadium is expected to be a monumental showdown, captivating fans worldwide.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently announced the World Cup schedule, dismissing Pakistan’s objections to the venue.
However, Babar Azam and his team have embraced the challenge, stating that as professionals, they are always ready to adapt to different playing conditions and venues. Their focus lies on the game of cricket itself, aiming to showcase their skills and excel in every country they compete in.
Apart from the highly anticipated clash in Ahmedabad, Pakistan’s World Cup itinerary includes matches in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
This multi-city tour will provide the team with diverse conditions and environments to test their mettle against a variety of opponents.
The ICC World Cup 2023, set to commence on October 5, promises to be a thrilling tournament that will run until November 19. Before the World Cup extravaganza, the Pakistani cricketers are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for a two-Test series starting in mid-July.
This series will serve as valuable preparation for the team as they fine-tune their strategies and sharpen their skills ahead of the global event.
Following the tour, Pakistan will also feature in the six-nation Asia Cup, commencing on August 31, where they aim to continue their winning momentum.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan Sets the Stage for Thrilling ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023
