Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur believes there's a "bit of mystique" around his World Cup team as they make a first appearance in India for seven years. 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan last competed in India at the 2016 Twenty20 World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"So, I think that's going to be part of the attraction."
\r\nPakistan begin their World Cup campaign against rank outsiders Netherlands in Hyderabad on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Arthur refused to say if he believes cricket diplomacy may lead to a thaw in relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n