[Watch] PCB Chief Calls India 'Dushman Mulk' Ahead Of World Cup 2023

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi receive a warm welcome at Hyderabad [X.com]

India and Pakistan relations have always been heightened, however, sports, mainly cricket has always played a part in bringing down the tension between the two neighbours.

Pakistan's national men's cricket team is currently in India for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which gets underway from October 5 after much deliberation between governing bodies and state governments.

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However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf failed to gauge the situation at a recent event in Lahore, and called India a 'Dushman Mulk'. As quoted by InsideSport, the controversial PCB chairman was speaking at an event about newly-signed players' contracts and committed a massive gaffe. 

Here's what Ashraf said

"Players’ morale should remain high when they go to an enemy country or where the competition is being held. We should support them so that they can perform well,”

This is the first time after 2016, that Pakistan have landed in India, and received such mass adulation and support from the people.

Pakistan players including captain Babar Azam, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Rizwan, and opener Imam-Ul-Haq took to respective social media accounts and thanked Indian for their warm reception.

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Babar Azam And Shaheen Afridi Overwhelmed With Support Upon Arrival In India For World Cup

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Babar Azam and Co. has their optional training session on Thrusday, and will take on New Zealand today in their first warm-up match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, which will be held closed-door.