Two days before their first warm-up game of the ICC Men's World Cup 2023 in India, Pakistan have left for India and are set to arrive in Hyderabad at around 08:15 pm on Wednesday (September 27). The Babar Azam-led side is among the top-ranked teams in the world but succumbed to defeats against Sri Lanka and India in the Super Four stage of Asia Cup which had left some doubts over their form and performance in the big tournaments.
Since India and Pakistan no longer play bilateral cricket, this is the first time that the Men in Green will be arriving India since the T20 World Cup 2016 in India. Before their departure to India, captain Babar Azam shared a post on social media along with a customary team photograph.
He wrote: "As we head for the World Cup, we seek prayers of all the Pakistan cricket team fans and well-wishers. I am certain that you will continue to extend your support and love, which you have always done. Pakistan Zindabad."
Meanwhile, a short video has also surfaced on social media in which the Pakistan side can be seen gearing up for their departure. They will fly from Lahore to Dubai where have a layover before their flight to Hyderabad.
Take a look at the video here:
Pakistan are scheduled to play both their warm-up games in Hyderabad. They even play their first two round-robin fixtures at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium before travelling to Ahmedabad for the match against India. Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata are the other cities that will host Pakistan's matches.