World Cup 2023: Javed Miandad predicts Pakistan to face hostility from fans in India - 'In a country where'

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Javed Miandad has predicted that Pakistan players will face some hostility in India during their period in the country for the World Cup 2023. He made the statement while backing the Babar Azam-led Pakistan side to do well in the 10-team event which kicks off from October 5.

Speaking to the media at a match of the 40's Global Cricket Event, Miandad reckoned that Pakistan should not bother themselves much after the Asia Cup 2023 exit and focus on adapting to the playing conditions in India.

He specifically pointed out that the team will have to play in front of a massive crowd which can be hostile against them.

"Why blame Babar Azam only when the rest of the team didn't perform as well in the Asia Cup matches against India and Sri Lanka," Miandad said.

"Look our team is not as bad as it played in the Asia Cup. It has plenty of potential to do well in the World Cup. The only thing is how quickly our players cope and adjust to playing in Indian conditions before big crowds and in a country where they will encounter some hostility," Miandad added.

Misbah ul Haq agreed with the comments of Miandad and asserted that Pakistan will have to come with a collective effort and not just rely on the brilliance of Babar Azam. He also suggested that criticising Babar Azam's just before the World Cup 2023 should be avoided.

Notably, Babar Azam has been slammed for his body language and tactical moves during the Asia Cup 2023. He has been accused of being defensive and failing to manage the fielding positions of the players.

"Don't just expect Babar to perform every time. This is not possible. This team has been successful as a collective unit and they must remember that even in India," Misab ul Haq said.

"Now is not the time to talk about his captaincy. He is someone who can be relied upon in the World Cup as a captain and batsman." The former captain also believed that speculations and discussions about division in the locker room, as well as rumours about a player leaking inside information, would only harm team morale.

"I have worked with these players as captain, coach and chief selector and I back them to do well in the World Cup," Misbah added.