'India Feels Like Home To Us': Babar Azam Thanks For Hospitality

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On Wednesday, Pakistani skipper Babar Azam & Co were stunned to receive a warm welcome upon their arrival to India. The skipper even stated that his team was not expecting such a friendly gesture and claimed that his team felt at home.

Babar Azam-led side landed in Hyderabad under stringent security arrangements last week to play two warm-up fixtures. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Babar expressed his delight after landing in India and added that the team is so far enjoying the Indian hospitality.

"I think the hospitality was nice - we were not expecting this, but I think the way people are responding towards our team, everyone enjoyed it. We are a week in Hyderabad so it is not like we are in India, it is like we are home. I think it's a golden opportunity for everyone to give their 100 percent and enjoy the tournament".

In addition to the hospitality, the Men In Green also seem to be relishing the delicious Hyderabadi cuisine. During the ICC Captains’ Call meeting on Wednesday, former Indian coach Ravi Shastri asked Babar whether he and his men are enjoying the traditional Hyderabadi biryani. Azam responded honestly and confessed that he and his men had been enjoying the typical Hyderabadi cuisine for nearly two weeks after their arrival.

While the Men in Green feel at home, a monumental challenge lies ahead of them. The 1992 World Cup Champions had no success in their recently concluded warm-up fixtures against Australia and New Zealand and returned winless. Besides, the entire team barring a few individuals is not fairly acquainted with the Indian conditions as both countries have severely restricted the bilateral cricketing ties.

Pakistan are all set to commence their World Cup campaign on October 6 against Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.