Pakistan Team Manager For 2023 ODI World Cup Alleges Ahmedabad Crowd Of Abusing The Team

Former Pakistan squad manager Rehan Ul Haq made a surprising statement on their travel to India for the ICC World Cup 2023. He claimed that he was harassed with each step he took down the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Pakistan was in India for the ICC World Cup 2023, and they did not perform well in the event. However, the Babar Azam-led team was warmly received by the Indian fans upon arrival and throughout their league games, except for the India encounter.

Pakistan had earlier set up base in Hyderabad and played their first two World Cup matches at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan had received a grand welcome in Hyderabad with the crowd cheering them on when they arrived at the airport and during public appearances.

Rehan Ul Haq reveals receiving 1000 abuses from the Ahmedabad crowd

The lone site where Pakistan lacked support was Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. This is because they faced India at the venue, and the stadium appeared to be a sea of blue, with every supporter shouting for the Men in Blue.

According to some reports, the crowd even abused Pakistani players, which did not sit well with the Men in Green. However, the then-team management has since confirmed this.

Rehan Ul Haq claimed that he was mistreated at every turn on the Ahmedabad Stadium steps. He said he had heard nearly 1500 abuses by the time he reached the ground.

Speaking to CricWick, he said: "On every step of the stairs in Ahmedabad, I was abused, and while descending 100 stairs, I heard close to 1500 abuses."

Here is the video:

Rehan ul Haq (@Rehan_ulhaq) former Pakistan cricket team manager on #INDvsPAK match @ Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad ⤵️

"On every step of the stairs in Ahmedabad, I was abused, and while descending 100 stairs, I heard more than 1,000 abuses."

pic.twitter.com/fMqP04Z5bl

— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 20, 2025

India pummels Pakistan in front of more than 1 lakh crowd in Ahmedabad

The India-Pakistan encounter was a much-hyped one, especially after how India destroyed Pakistan in Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Pakistan was eyeing revenge at the Narendra Modi Stadium and was on course with 150 runs odd for 2 wickets.

However, egged on by the Ahmedabad crowd, Indian bowlers crawled back into the game and bowled out Pakistan for 191 runs before the fifty overs were completed. Mohammad Rizwan scored 49, while captain Babar Azam hammered a fifty.

Indian bowlers dominated the opposition while the remaining hitters found it difficult to get going. Except for Shardul Thakur, every bowler took two wickets.

Rohit Sharma led from the front

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, took center stage during the chase. An incredible performance of 86 runs off 63 balls was played by the opening batsman. With seven wickets and about 20 overs remaining, the hosts chased the mark, with Shreyas Iyer contributing an undefeated 53 runs.

Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-final of the tournament while India reached the final unbeaten.

Also read: ICC Set To Overhaul Test Cricket Completely