Mushtaq Ahmed’s ‘religious’ take on Pakistan team’s warm welcome in India

The Pakistan cricket squad arrived in Hyderabad with great enthusiasm to participate in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The team, led by captain Babar Azam, received a warm and grand welcome as they touched down at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on a Wednesday night.

The airport in Hyderabad became a gathering point for devoted fans, who had come to show their support and appreciation for the Pakistani team. The fans showered the players with accolades and erupted into chants in honour of their captain, Babar.

Former Pakistan cricketer, Mushtaq Ahmed, in his remarks to a local media channel, alluded to the significant Muslim population in cities like Ahmedabad and Hyderabad as a reason for the overwhelming support witnessed at the airport.

"Ahmedabad and Hyderabad are such cities, where population of Muslims is quite high. That is why you see [support] at the airport," Mushtaq said.

“Hyderabad and Ahmedabad main Muslims zyada hai isliye support milegi” - Pakistan Ex cricketer ( Mushtaq Ahmed ) 🤔 True hai kya ?#WorldCup2023 #PakistanTeam

pic.twitter.com/hri14TwPJo

— Mahatma Gandhi (Parody) (@GandhiAOC) September 28, 2023

As Pakistan gets ready for the upcoming tournament, they are gearing up to play a warm-up match against New Zealand this Friday in Hyderabad. Following that, their second warm-up match is scheduled against Australia on October 3, all in preparation for the start of their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6, with all these matches taking place at the same venue in Hyderabad.

 Pakistan will wrap up their two-week stay in Hyderabad with their second World Cup match against Sri Lanka on October 10 and then head to Ahmedabad to take on the hosts, India, on October 14.