'It was hostile environment in Ahmedabad' - Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur on India vs Pakistan World Cup 2023 match

The former head coach of Pakistan, Mickey Arthur  who was also part of the coaching staff removed by the Pakistan Cricket Board, expressed his disappointment with the tense atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the Cricket World Cup clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Arthur, observing his team succumb to the pressure, remarked on the lack of support for the Men in Green in the vast cricketing arena. 

Under the captaincy of Babar Azam, the Pakistan Cricket team confronted a daunting sea of blue jerseys in the stands, devoid of any support for their side. Arthur characterized the atmosphere as unwelcoming and hostile, creating a challenging environment for any visiting team. The world's largest cricket stadium presented an intimidating spectacle, leaving the Pakistan team to contend with the overwhelming circumstances.

"It was extremely tough not having any Pakistan support. The one thing that really drives the Pakistan team is the incredible support they receive at grounds and hotels. Here we never had that, and that was quite tough in a World Cup, particularly for the players,” Arthur was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Players never moaned or complained once: Mickey Arthur

The Narendra Modi Stadium hosted the unfolding drama of five World Cup clashes, encompassing the opening spectacle and the grand finale. Commencing with the England versus New Zealand opener, the stage was set for the Indo-Pak showdown, followed by England taking on Australia and South Africa facing Afghanistan.

Notably, the stadium's attendance witnessed significant fluctuations; while non-India matches struggled to fill the stands, appearances by Rohit Sharma and his team drew jam-packed crowds. Despite the electrifying atmosphere, Arthur emphasized the challenge for Pakistan in adapting to the dynamics of bat and ball in Ahmedabad. Making their comeback on Indian soil after seven years, the Green army, as per Arthur, grappled not only with the game but also with the palpable absence of support.

“As you can imagine it was a tough, hostile environment in Ahmedabad. But we were expecting this, and to their credit, our players never moaned or complained once. They cracked on and tried their best — nevertheless, it ultimately does play a role in motivation when you can’t see or hear that support base around you,” Arthur concluded.