It was hostile environment in Ahmedabad in World Cup match against India: Mickey Arthur

Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, part of the coaching staff ousted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, expressed his dismay over the hostile atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the Cricket World Cup clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Arthur, who witnessed his team succumb to the pressure, noted the absence of support for the Men in Green in the colossal cricketing arena.

Led by Babar Azam, the Pakistani squad faced an intimidating sea of blue jerseys, with no backing for their team in the stands. Arthur deemed the experience unfriendly and hostile, creating a challenging environment for any visiting team. The world’s largest cricket stadium presented a daunting spectacle that left the Pakistan team grappling with the overwhelming circumstances.

"It was extremely tough not having any Pakistan support. The one thing that really drives the Pakistan team is the incredible support they receive at grounds and hotels. Here we never had that, and that was quite tough in a World Cup, particularly for the players,” Arthur was quoted as saying by the Wisden.

The Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed the unfolding drama of five World Cup clashes, including the opening spectacle and the grand finale. Beginning with the England versus New Zealand opener, the stage was set for the Indo-Pak showdown, followed by England locking horns with Australia and South Africa facing Afghanistan. Interestingly, the stadium's attendance fluctuated significantly; while non-India matches struggled to fill the stands, Rohit Sharma and Co’s appearances drew jam-packed crowds.

However, despite the electrifying atmosphere, Arthur asserted that Pakistan found it challenging to engage in the simple dynamics of bat and ball in Ahmedabad. Making their comeback on Indian soil after seven years, the Green army, according to Arthur, grappled not only with the game but also with the palpable absence of support.

“As you can imagine it was a tough, hostile environment in Ahmedabad. But we were expecting this, and to their credit our players never moaned or complained once. They cracked on and tried their best — nevertheless it ultimately does play a role in motivation when you can’t see or hear that support base around you,” he added.