'Felt like we had won the World Cup' - Mohammad Rizwan reflects on rousing welcome Pakistan team received in Hyderabad

The Pakistan cricket team received a rousing welcome in Hyderabad on September 27 upon their arrival for the much-awaited 2023 ODI World Cup. A large crowd gathered at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport around 8.15 pm to welcome Babar Azam's side. The Pakistan players were overwhelmed by the reception and waved to the fans before boarding the team bus to the hotel.

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The Men in Green Grant received a grant traditional welcome at the Park Hyatt Hyderabad and were surprised by the wonderful hospitality of the Indians. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted a video on their social media handle with the caption: “A warm welcome in Hyderabad as we land on Indian shores”. Later, captain Babar and pacer Shaheen Afridi also took to their X handles to acknowledge the love they received.

After Pakistan's first warm-up match against New Zealand, PCB posted another video where their wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan recalled the welcome they received in India. At the end of the video, Rizwan expressed his desire to give the same warmth towards the Indian players one day.

"We stepped out of the airport and the way people's cheers echoed, believe me, I felt like we had won the World Cup and had come back to Karachi or Lahore airport. I will always remember this and I hope that if India ever gets a chance to play in Pakistan, then we can reciprocate with more love," Rizwan said.

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Watch the video below: 

Hear from @iMRizwanPak as he discusses the #NZvPAK warm-up match and playing in India 🗣️#CWC23 | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/hoEWE1Pp1z

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 30, 2023

Rizwan's century did not help Pakistan win against NZ in warm-up match

Rizwan also talks about their first warm-up match, in which they lost to New Zealand by five wickets. Pakistan posted a mammoth total of 345 on the back of Rizwan's 94-ball 103 and Babar's 84-ball 80. Saud Shakeel hit 75 and Agha Salman scored a quickfire 33 as well. However, the Black Caps overcame the target with the loss of five wickets in 43.4 overs.

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The 1992 World Cup champions will next face Australia on October 3 in their second warm-up match in Hyderabad. They will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 before gearing up for a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad on October 14.