T20I World Cup will be staged in October November 2021. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants visa guarantees not only for cricketers and supports staff but also for journalists and fans ahead of the T20 World Cup in October-November this year.
Speaking to the media recently, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani had said that if written assurance was not given, the board would have the right to demand ICC to transfer the mega event to UAE.
T20I World Cup: Possibilities Of Issuance Of Visas Have Increased
Talking to an Indian newspaper on Sunday, the PCB Chairman said that the issuance of visas under members’ agreement is the responsibility of the host board. Following the letter written by the ICC in this regard, the response from the BCCI is now awaited. The Indian board always justifies not getting permission from its government.
According to reports in the Indian media, positive progress is being made in this regard. Political tensions between the two countries have eased since the recent ceasefire agreement on the border, as a result, the possibilities of issuance of visas have increased.
BCCI Official: Issuance Of Visas At Discretion Of Government
A BCCI official said since the issuance of visas was at the discretion of the government, there is no issue if permission is obtained. On the other hand, one must ensure that because of the aftermath of the corona epidemic which is extraordinary circumstances, as in this situation no country can affirm spectator visas.
The last time the Pakistan team played on Indian soil was in the T20 championship in March 2016, two months after the Pathankot attack. On that occasion, the Home Ministry gave multi-city visas to Pakistani fans who had tickets for the matches.
Before that, India granted visas to Pakistani fans for the 2011 World Cup semi-final at Mohali. The then Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani also came to Mohali and watched the match with then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The last time the two countries played a Test series was in 2007 in India, which India won.
The 2019 World Cup in England was when the two teams last met at a neutral venue. India won that match by 89 runs. Pakistan and India’s last bilateral ties at either of the 2 countries were 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs in India way back in 2012. Pakistan has won more ODI and Test matches but India has the upper hand in T20Is. India is also undefeated at both 50 overs and T20I World Cups.
The last time T20I World Cup was staged was 5 years ago in 2016 which was won by West Indies. Recently retired Marlon Samuels of West Indies scored an unbeaten 85. But Carlos Braithwaite hit 4 sixes in the final over of Ben Stokes and scored unbeaten 34 off only 10 balls snatching away win from jaws of defeat against England.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the next T20I World Cup will be held in India as per original plans.