IND Vs PAK: "Don't Misbehave..." Gautam Gambhir Sends Strong Message To Indian Fans Ahead Of Pakistan World Cup Clash

Published - 14 Oct 2023, 05:38 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:20 AM

Former India Cricketer Gautam Gambhir
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In the lead-up to the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir delivered a heartfelt message to cricket fans. As Indian supporters gathered in large numbers outside the stadium, there was a noticeable absence of Pakistan cricket aficionados at the scene. Speaking on Star Sports after the toss, Gambhir appealed to the fans not to disrespect the Pakistan team, emphasizing the importance of exhibiting sportsmanship and hospitality.

“Support your team but don’t misbehave with your visitors, after all, they are your guests. We have to remember they are the visitors and here to play the World Cup,” Gambhir urged.

The Narendra Modi Stadium, which was expected to be a melting pot of supporters from both nations, was predominantly adorned in blue due to the limited presence of Pakistan fans. Visa issues reportedly hindered the travel plans of many Pakistan supporters, leaving the stadium’s atmosphere overwhelmingly one-sided.

India Won The Toss And Put Pakistan To Bat First At Ahmedabad

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and opted to bowl first in what promised to be a blockbuster World Cup match, anticipated to be witnessed by a staggering 120,000 fans. The match marked the return of opening batsman Shubman Gill to the Indian team. Gill had been sidelined due to dengue fever, causing him to miss the initial two matches. His comeback was a source of excitement for Indian fans.

Favored India entered the match unbeaten, having secured victories against five-time World Cup winners Australia and Afghanistan. The Indian team’s form and consistency made them the team to watch in the tournament. On the other side, Pakistan also boasted an unblemished record in the competition, winning their previous matches against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. The team made no changes from their successful lineup.

As the stage was set for this monumental clash, cricket enthusiasts from around the world eagerly awaited an intense and thrilling contest. The India-Pakistan rivalry is not merely about the sport but also a testament to the passion, unity, and fervour that cricket fosters. Regardless of the outcome, it was a moment that celebrated the spirit of cricket and the shared love for the game that unites fans from different corners of the globe.

The Lineups For The Match Are As Follows:

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf

Tagged:

Gautam Gambhir ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ICC ODI World Cup 2023 ICC World Cup 2023 IND vs PAK World Cup 2023
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