Watch: Pakistan begin their practice ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up matches

Pakistan to play New Zealand and Australia in warm-up matches in Hyderabad on September 29 and October 3

Pakistan team have begun its training ahead of their two ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up matches in Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad, on September 28, 2023.

Pakistan contingent arrived on September 27 in India via Dubai and received a warm welcome at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

Babar Azam and company just had a practice in Hyderabad prior to the warm-up game between Pakistan and New Zealand. The crew just got there last night in India. Whether Pakistan Cricket Team will practice under lights is unknown. At Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the first practice match will start at 2:00 PM IST.

All of the important members of Pakistan Cricket Team, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, and Fakhar Zaman, participated in the morning training session. There were no specific drills for the players. It was a routine practice with Babar Azam and batters hitting the nets following warm-up sessions and fielding drills.

All eyes on Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf as the pacer recovers from injury before World Cup warm-up games

Despite after Asia Cup debacle, Babar Azam & co have retained the core team, barring Naseem Shah. The young pacer is out of World Cup with an injury. However, Haris Rauf is the second-most important pacer in Pakistan cricket team after Shaheen Afridi.

The spotlight is on Haris Rauf. The pacer sustained a side strain injury during Asia Cup, but the physios decided at the last minute to include him. Pakistani squad held their first practice in Hyderabad prior to their World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand.

Haris Rauf participated in short fielding drills during both his batting and bowling sessions. He may or may not participate in the warm-up game between Pakistan and New Zealand on Friday.

“Playing in any tournament for your country is a big deal. My fitness is better than before. We have confidence in ourselves as a team. The team management will decide whether to give me the new ball or the old ball,” Haris Rauf said ahead of his departure for India.