They Will Encounter Some Hostility In India: Javed Miandad's Advice To Pakistan For World Cup

As Babar Azam & Co. gear up to travel to India to take part in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, former Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad has warned the team. The World Cup is scheduled to be played from October 5 to November 19 in India.

With the bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan suspended, most of the players in the Pakistan team will be visiting India for the very first time. Pakistan last visited India in 2016 for the T20 World Cup and most of the players who played in that competition are either retired or are no more part of the Pakistan team.

Playing in front of the huge crowd will definitely be tough for the Men in Green and Javed Miandad has urged the players to be prepared for it. Speaking to India Today, the Pakistan great has advised the players to expect a hostile crowd in India during the World Cup. He stated that Pakistan’s chances in the World Cup will depend on the players’ ability to adjust to the conditions and the crowd.

“Look our team is not as bad as it played in the Asia Cup. It has plenty of potential to do well in the World Cup. The only thing is how quickly our players cope and adjust to playing in Indian conditions before big crowds and in a country where they will encounter some hostility,” Javed Miandad said.

“The sooner this suspense about the final squad is ended the better it is for us in the mega-event,” he added.

Pakistan looks to bounce back:

Pakistan will be desperate to bounce back in the ICC World Cup 2023 after a disappointing campaign in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. The Men in Green crashed out at the Super 4 stage after suffering defeats against India and Sri Lanka. India thrashed them by a record margin of 228 runs before Sri Lanka beat them by 2 wickets.

Pakistan are likely to announce their 15-member World Cup squad this week. As per reports, the team could see few changes after the disappointing campaign in the Asia Cup. A few injury setbacks will also compel the Pakistan selectors to make changes. Pakistan are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign on October 6 against the Netherlands in Hyderabad.