Pakistan cricketers floored by ‘unexpected’ welcome, hit nets 12 hours after arrival

Hyderabad, Sep 28 (PTI) "Zabardast. Maza aa gaya," responded premier Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf as he walked into the main nets of the Hyderabad Cricket Association ground and asked about "the overwhelming" welcome his team received at the airport barely 12 hours ago.

Indians' love for the game is unmatched, therefore, fans chanting Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's name at the Hyderabad airport should not come entirely as a surprise.

After all, one of the leading batters in the game had set foot on Indian soil for the first time alongside most of his teammates, marking Pakistan's return to India after seven years. The perpetual tension between the nations was clearly forgotten as fans were left in awe of Babar and Co. Within no time of their arrival, the Pakistan cricket team was "trending" in India. Babar was clearly the fans’ favourite but the entire Pakistan squad was floored by the unexpected welcome. Barring Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha, it is the first visit to India for the rest of the squad.