Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf on Friday gave a pep talk to the Pakistan cricket team ahead of its much-anticipated World Cup match against arch-rivals India here on Saturday. Check India vs Pakistan live score and match updates in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
Ashraf motivated the players in a meeting which was also attended by the support staff, including coach Grant Bradburn, PCB's director of cricket Mickey Arthur and captain Babar Azam among others.
Pakistan, who are touring India for the first time since 2016, are set to play their biggest match of the World Cup against the home team at the Narendra Modi Stadium here.
It has also been learnt that the BCCI is hosting a dinner for Ashraf on Friday night here, which will be attended by secretary Jay Shah and other top officials of the board.
It remains to be seen whether the pep talk from the PCB chief would act as motivation or create additional pressure for his nation in the big game.
Both India and Pakistan are unbeaten so far in the early stages of the tournament.
While Pakistan beat Netherlands by 81 runs and Sri Lanka by six wickets, India recorded convincing six and eight wickets win over Australia and Afghanistan in their first two matches.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)