WATCH: PCB chief Zaka Ashraf calls India 'Dushman Mulk'

As the Pakistan cricket team arrived in India for the ODI World Cup 2023, fans welcomed them wholeheartedly in Hyderabad. They were warmly welcomed in Hyderabad, which is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming tournament. However, a controversial incident occurred when the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Zaka Ashraf, made some uncalled remarks about India.

A video of Ashraf is going viral on social media, where he calls India an "enemy nation." While speaking about the importance of supporting the players when they play in other countries, Ashraf made these remarks. "Players hain inka morale upar rehna chahiye jab ye kisi dushman mulk ya kisi bhi jagah khelne jaayen jahan wo competition ho raha ho, to they should go with the full support of the nation aur unko ek achche tarike se perform kar saken"

Zaka Ashraf (Source: Twitter)

Here is Zaka Ashraf's viral video: 

One side, Pakistan cricket team received enthusiastic welcome in India.



Other side, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf termed India as "Dushman Mulk" (enemy country).



So, no matter what we do, Pakistan's mentality & agenda is clear. pic.twitter.com/oUbz8MYsl5

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) September 28, 2023

It's worth noting that when the Pakistani players arrived in India, they were happy with the warm reception they received, especially in Hyderabad. The team's skipper, Babar Azam, and wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan even shared their positive experiences and thanked Indian fans. However, Ashraf's divisive language might create tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Pakistan is set to camp in Hyderabad for 15 days

Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket team is set to stay in Hyderabad for the next 15 days. The team will play two warm-up games against New Zealand and Australia on September 29 and October 3, respectively. In their first two league games, Pakistan will face Qualifier teams in Hyderabad only. They will face the Netherlands on October 6 and Sri Lanka on October 10.

However, on October 14, they will reach Ahmedabad to face arch-rival India at Narendra Modi Stadium. It's worth noting that in the last seven ODI World Cup matches, India have never lost to Pakistan. Playing in home conditions, India are still favourites to win the game, while Babar Azam and company will be looking to break the jinx.