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The Pakistan cricket team's arrival in India after a seven-year hiatus has sparked excitement and anticipation among cricket enthusiasts. With the ODI World Cup set to kick off on October 5th, the team's journey to India has been eventful, filled with high hopes and special requests.
A long-awaited return
The last time the Pakistan cricket team set foot in India was in 2016, during the T20 World Cup. This seven-year gap has only added to the eagerness of fans on both sides of the border. The upcoming ODI World Cup promises thrilling encounters and fierce competition.
The team's voyage to India included a nine-hour layover in Dubai, adding to the excitement and anticipation. Pakistan's preparations for the World Cup will begin with a warm-up match against New Zealand on September 29th. Subsequently, they will face Australia on October 3rd, leading up to their World Cup campaign opener against the Netherlands.
Security concerns in Hyderabad: A special demand
However, upon their arrival in Hyderabad, Pakistan immediately voiced concerns about security arrangements, considering ongoing festivals in the city. To ensure the team's safety and allow for focused practice sessions, they were granted a morning practice slot from 8 AM to 12 PM.
Spinners' request: Leveraging local conditions
Pakistan cricket is renowned for its spinners, and the team is well aware of the spin-friendly nature of the Hyderabad pitch. To make the most of these conditions, Pakistan requested the presence of top-class spinners during their practice sessions. Their emphasis on spin bowling highlights the team's dedication to refining their skills.
Pitches for practice
Both Pakistan and New Zealand teams have been allocated seven pitches each for practice. Batsmen and bowlers from both sides will utilize these facilities to hone their abilities. With limited time before the tournament begins, these practice sessions are invaluable for fine-tuning strategies and approaches.
Captain Babar Azam, the driving force behind Pakistan's cricketing aspirations, expressed his excitement about playing in India. Despite not having previous experience playing on Indian soil, Babar remains confident. He emphasized that the team's research and information-gathering efforts, particularly from their recent participation in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, have prepared them well. Babar's enthusiasm for playing in Ahmedabad is palpable, and he expects a stellar performance from the entire team.
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