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The Pakistan Cricket Team‘s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has been heartwarming. The Green Team has been embraced with open arms and showered with love and hospitality from the moment they landed on Indian soil. The players and staff are enjoying the competitive spirit and savouring the rich culture, delectable cuisine and vibrant traditions that India offers.
Nevertheless, numerous Pakistani fans and journalists are encountering difficulties obtaining the necessary clearance for Indian visas.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ‘s management committee chairman, Zaka Ashraf, met with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary to address the concerns surrounding visa delays on Monday. The discussion centered on finding solutions to expedite the visa issuance process and ensure a smoother experience for Pakistani fans and media personnel attending the tournament in India.
Also READ: CWC 2023 – ICC finally reveals why Pakistan sports presenter Zainab Abbas left the tournament midway
PCB’s take on the scenario
The PCB has expressed disappointment regarding the ongoing visa clearance challenges their journalists and cricket enthusiasts face. The Board emphasized the obligations and terms outlined in the host agreement to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stressing the importance of ensuring that fans and journalists from participating teams are granted the necessary visas.
“PCB is extremely disappointed to see that journalists from Pakistan and fans are still facing uncertainty about obtaining an Indian visa to cover Pakistan games in ICC World Cup 2023. In the meantime, PCB has again reminded ICC and BCCI of their respective obligations and terms and conditions stipulated in the Host agreement to guarantee visas for fans and journalists of participating teams,” the statement said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
India to face Pakistan on October 14
It is worth noting that Rohit-Sharma’s India will have a face off against the Babar Azam-led Pakistan in Match 12 of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Saturday (October 14).
However, the issuance of visas to Pakistani fans ahead of one of the most eagerly awaited clashes in international cricket remains uncertain. The high-stakes encounter will occur at the world’s largest cricket ground, Narendra Modi Stadium, boasting an astounding seating capacity of 1,32,000 spectators.
