‘We'll have to be very strong mentally’ - Shadab Khan on lack of support for Pakistan at ODI World Cup 2023

With the ODI World Cup 2023 all set to begin on October 5, the world’s best sides will soon be going head-to-head to get their hands on the coveted title. With India solely hosting the event for the first time, it is expected that Pakistan will be experiencing a heavy atmosphere.

Considering the rivalry that India and Pakistan share, the Babar Azam-led side would be expecting some passionate Indian fans when they travel to the host country to compete in the upcoming World Cup 2023. However, ahead of the World Cup, Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan backed his side to handle the pressure from the Indian fans and explained how the lack of support from the fans will require some serious willpower to overcome.

"We won't have the crowd support in India. In that sense we'll have to be very strong mentally. The way our players are, mentally strong, I think we'll have a good tournament. Winning the World Cup in India will be like the icing on the cake... Definitely, whichever team comes will come to win the tournament, but the key is how you as a team play and how you start because we will have to play against every team; it's a great opportunity for all the teams," Shadab Khan was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Pakistan face India on October 14 

The World Cup kicks off on October 5 with England taking on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The much anticipated India-Pakistan clash will take place at the same venue on October 14. Furthermore, before the World Cup, both India and Pakistan will be taking on each other at the Asia Cup 2023, which is scheduled to begin on August 30. The tournament is being co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan. India and Pakistan will meet in Pallekele on September 2.