Shaheen Afridi upbeat ahead of World Cup in India

Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is eagerly looking forward to participating in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in India starting from October 5 in India.

Known for his prowess with the new ball and his ability to unsettle batters, 23-year-old is prepared to showcase his skills once again on the grand stage of this mega event.

In a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the left-arm pacer expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournament, emphasizing that, except for Mohammad Nawaz, this would be the team's first visit to India. 

Afridi and his teammates are hopeful that the playing conditions in India will be similar to those in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, allowing them to adapt quickly.

"None of us have ever been to India except Mohammad Nawaz. We are hoping to have similar conditions in India, like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UAE. We are hopeful it would be similar in terms of wickets. Yeah, it will be our first tour [to India], a new experience and a new place. We will do our best to play our best cricket," Afridi said.

Afridi also shed light on the legendary India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, acknowledging its significance in the cricketing world. He expressed the team's desire to make a significant impact in the tournament and highlighted the camaraderie shared between the Pakistani and Indian cricketers off the field.

"The India-Pakistan rivalry has been going on for a long time, we want to create an impact. We have a great relationship with Indian cricketers, we enjoy our cricket. It is different on the field but we meet outside as friends, so we will try to carry that on as well," he further added.

Pakistan is set to face India in one of the most highly anticipated matches of the World Cup on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where a staggering 132,000 spectators are expected to gather.