'Ahmedabad, Hyderabad has high Muslim population' - Mushtaq Ahmed's weird reasoning behind warm reception for Pakistan in India

Pakistan cricket squad landed in Hyderabad on September 28 ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023. The team arrived with high spirits and eagerness to participate in the upcoming mega event and received a warm reception as they were greeted with open arms and enthusiastic cheers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on a Wednesday night.

This warm reception turned the airport into a hub of excitement, where devoted fans had gathered to express their unwavering support and admiration for the Pakistani team. The fans could not contain their joy and showered the players with praises, erupting into chants in honour of their beloved captain, Babar.

Former Pakistan cricketer, Mushtaq Ahmed, shared his insights with a local media channel, shedding light on the significant Muslim population in cities like Ahmedabad and Hyderabad as a driving force behind the overwhelming support witnessed at the airport. "Ahmedabad and Hyderabad are such cities where the population of Muslims is quite high. That is why you see [support] at the airport," he was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan played their first warm-up clash against New Zealand on September 29 while their second warm-up encounter is scheduled against Australia on October 3 at the same venue, Hyderabad. These practice matches are crucial preparations for their World Cup campaign, which for kicks off for Pakistan against the Netherlands on October 6.

Pakistan's stay in Hyderabad will end with their second World Cup match against Sri Lanka on October 10. Afterwards, they will make their way to Ahmedabad to take on the hosts India on October 14.

As cricket enthusiasts from around the world eagerly await the tournament's commencement, the support and fervour displayed by the fans in Hyderabad serve as a testament to the sport's unifying power and the universal love for cricket.