The Pakistan cricket team is currently stationed in Hyderabad for the World Cup 2023. The Men in Green played both their warm-up matches in the city, followed by their first game against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Pakistan's second match of the World Cup also got underway in Hyderabad against Sri Lanka on October 10. Ahead of this, the players practiced on October 9 (Monday).
During their practice session, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden went to meet the Pakistani players. He had interactions with Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf. Hayden has previously been a batting consultant for the Pakistan team, making him familiar with the players. The Pakistani players, in turn, hold him in high regard.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, as Hayden was heading to the Pakistani dressing room, he was stopped by a security guard stationed outside. Thus, Hayden had to wait outside on the steps for the Pakistani players. During this time, he playfully addressed Haris Rauf as 'Ferrari'. Rauf, laughing, responded, "Who is Ferrari? He doesn't have such a car." To which, Hayden said, "I named you Ferrari during the T20 World Cup. You are the Ferrari, my friend."
Buzz in the Pakistani camp about Ahmedabad
Later on, Hayden met with Babar, the Pakistani captain. Babar inquired about Hayden's travel plans. Hayden mentioned that he had come from Mumbai and would be heading to Ahmedabad next. Shadab's curiosity about Ahmedabad prompted Hayden to remark, "The entire world will be there on the 14th." This was in reference to the high-profile match between India and Pakistan scheduled on October 14th in Ahmedabad. This game, before the World Cup 2023 final, is expected to be one of the most-watched. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the venue for the match, is the largest cricket stadium in the world with a seating capacity of over 132,000 spectators. It is anticipated to be a full house.
Before their match against Sri Lanka, Babar practiced extensively for over 45 minutes. Pakistan started their World Cup journey with a win against the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka suffered a defeat in Delhi at the hands of South Africa.
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