'Love was evident' - PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf after Pakistan team receives warm reception in India

The chairman of the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) Zaka Ashraf has been surrounded by many controversies recently. The 71-year-old recently caught every headline after he referred to India as ‘dushman mulk’ (enemy nation).

However, the chairman has come forward to make a drastic turn in his statements and laud the hospitality of India after the Pakistan cricketers arrived in the country for the ODI World Cup 2023. Ashraf opined that the fantastic reception that the players received in India was a testament to the respect that both countries share for the sport.

“The fantastic reception of the Pakistan team in India for the World Cup proves how much love the people of both countries have for each other’s players. This love was evident by the reception arranged at the Hyderabad airport. I congratulate the Indians for arranging a reception of this kind,” Ashraf said in a statement released by the PCB.

India-Pakistan emerge as traditional rivals but not as enemies: Zaka Ashraf

Furthermore, Ashraf also talked of the times when India and Pakistan shared the field to compete against each other. He opined that both sides take the field as rivals and not enemies, and hoped for a similar reception from the Indian fans throughout the tournament.

“Whenever India and Pakistan step onto the cricket field, they emerge as traditional rivals but not as enemies. I hope that throughout the entire World Cup, Pakistan cricketers will receive the same warmth, and Indian fans will get to see the best cricket from Pakistan,” Ashraf said.

Pakistan will begin their World Cup 2023 campaign by taking on the Netherlands on Friday, October 6. Both sides will take centre stage at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. After their bitter campaign at the Asia Cup 2023, where the side was eliminated from the Super Four stage, Pakistan will hope for a better performance in the World Cup 2023.