The Pakistan Cricket Board has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting to accelerate the visa process for journalists and fans who intend to travel to India for the World Cup. The tournament begins on October 5, and Pakistan will play its first match against the Netherlands on October 6. The Men in Green are currently preparing for the marquee event in Hyderabad.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take prompt action on the visa process for fans and media. While it is difficult to estimate the number of fans applying for Indian visas, about 50 journalists are expected to travel to cover the ODI World Cup.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is the tournament host, has stated that the Ministry of External Affairs is reviewing the names of journalists who have applied for coverage of the 50-over event. As Pakistan is on India’s prior reference list, the applications will require clearance from the external affairs, home, and sports ministries.
“The visa applications for Pakistan media are being facilitated,” A BCCI source said.
“It is alarming that the media and fans are yet to be informed about the visa policy, as Pakistan have already played their first of the two warm-ups and will play their first World Cup contest in six days”.
“The PCB expects that the ICC and other relevant authorities will expedite the matter as there is a growing anxiety among Pakistan fans and journalists who wish to support and cover their team in the ICC CWC 2023,” A PCB source said.
The Men in Green has been one of the top teams in the world of cricket, having consistently performed well in the white-ball format of the game. However, in the Asia Cup 2023, despite being the top-ranked team in the world, the Men in Green failed to qualify for the final of the tournament. Babar Azam-led side will now focus on turning things around in the upcoming marquee event in India.
The Pakistan cricket team will have high hopes of winning the upcoming marquee event in India. They have a strong squad and enough resources to lift the championship trophy. Although they haven’t won the World Cup since their maiden victory in 1992, they would be determined to perform well on Indian soil and make a mark.