In a notable incident at Hyderabad airport, Indian authorities halted Chacha Bashir, a fervent Pakistan cricket supporter, from waving the national flag while welcoming the Men in Green to India.
The long-standing rivalry between Pakistan and India dates back to their independence in 1947.
Despite various challenges affecting sports and diplomatic relations, the Pakistani national squad arrived in India after several years to participate in the Cricket World Cup 2023. Chacha Bashir, residing in the United States, had traveled to Hyderabad to extend a warm welcome to the team.
However, Bashir’s zeal was met with disappointment as security personnel confiscated his Pakistani flag, leaving him frustrated. Even his argument that his attire reflected Pakistani colors did not sway the authorities.
Expressing his disappointment, Bashir stated, “I have come here to boost the morale of the Pakistan cricket team. Pakistani team will enjoy delicious food in Hyderabad. I will travel to every city where Pakistan will play their matches to support them.”
The team, escorted with high security in 20 vehicles, was taken to their hotel. The Pakistan squad, comprising 18 players and 13 support personnel, arrived in India after a brief stopover in Dubai.
Less than 48 hours after landing, Pakistan is scheduled to play their first warmup game against New Zealand on September 29 in Hyderabad. Their last warmup match will be against Australia on October 3, preceding their World Cup campaign opener against the Netherlands on October 6 at the same stadium.
The squad for ICC World Cup 2023 includes captain Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha. The traveling reserves are Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, and Zaman Khan.
