Arizona Tribune - 'Mystique' around Pakistan team, says coach Arthur

Pakistan arrived to a warm welcome in Hyderabad despite earlier fears that the bitter political rivalry between the two neighbours could force a boycott of the tournament.

Only two of the 15-man squad have ever visited India before and Arthur believes this has contributed to the curiosity surrounding the 1992 champions.

Pakistan last competed in India at the 2016 Twenty20 World Cup.

"We've had a wonderful reception so far in India. I'm pretty sure we'll get that around our games as well," said Arthur on Thursday.

"I think there's a bit of a mystique. The Indian public loves cricket. They don't get to see the likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammed Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, they don't get to see them often.

"So, I think that's going to be part of the attraction."

Pakistan begin their World Cup campaign against rank outsiders Netherlands in Hyderabad on Friday.

However, Arthur refused to say if he believes cricket diplomacy may lead to a thaw in relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.

"Whatever happens outside, that's above my pay grade, I'm not qualified to talk about that," he said.

R.Lee--AT