‘It’ll be even better if we have our fans come……’ – Babar Azam laments lack of Pakistan fans at ODI World Cup 2023

The Pakistan team is gearing up to open their ODI World Cup 2023 match against the Netherlands on October 6 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Notably, Babar Azam and Co. are currently in Hyderabad and enjoying their leisure time in the city. They had received a grand welcome at the airport on September 27. Following that, they were spotted having dinner at a lavish hotel as well as enjoying Hyderabad biryani in their hotel room.

Notably, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who attended Captain’s Day on October 4 in Ahmedabad, once again praised the reception they received from Indian fans once they landed in the city. In addition, the 28-year-old skipper accepted that their side never imagined they would get such a warm welcome in India despite the tensions between the two nations.

“To be honest, we also heard that. But since the time we arrived in Hyderabad, the kind of hospitality we’ve received and the kind of welcome we had from the airport to the hotel…even in the last match at the ground we felt very good,” Babar Azam said being quoted by Cricbuzz.

It’ll be even better if we have Pakistan fans come as well: Babar Azam

However, the stylish right-handed batter lamented the lack of Pakistani fans in the stadium. The Lahore-born cricketer also wished to get continuous support in every city and every ground for the marquee event.

“It’ll be even better if we have our fans come as well. And hopefully, we get that kind of support in every match and at every ground, so looking forward to it,” he added further.

Meanwhile, according to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board has requested that the Apex Cricket Council allow Pakistan fans and journalists to watch the ODI World Cup 2023 in the host country India. However, India’s external affairs minister has not taken his decision as both countries face geopolitical tensions, which didn’t allow Pakistani fans to travel to India. Notably, the final decision is yet to come for the majority of Pakistan fans who wish to see their side play in India.