Table of Contents
The ODI World Cup 2023 has captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide, offering thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. However, it has also witnessed its fair share of controversies. The latest controversy involves the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as it has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over delays in visa issuance and the alleged inappropriate conduct of Indian fans during the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash in Ahmedabad on October 14.
It is worth mentioning that the high-voltage encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in Ahmedabad added another chapter to the storied cricketing rivalry as the Men in Blue maintained their dominance over the Pakistan side in the world event and handed them an embarrassing defeat. The loss of the Green Team even prompted an unprecedented lashing towards them from fans and experts.
As the Pakistan cricket team is under fire for their subpar performance against India, PCB has now added another twist to the story by raising concerns regarding the treatment of their team by the Indian fans during the event and the delay in visas for Pakistan citizens.
PCB raises visa delay issue
The PCB’s formal complaint to the ICC revolves around two primary issues. Firstly, they highlighted the delays in issuing visas to Pakistani journalists and fans who were eager to support their team during the World Cup.
In a statement released by the PCB, they stated, “Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged another formal protest with ICC over delays in visas for Pakistani journalists and absence of a visa policy for Pakistan fans for the ongoing World Cup 2023.”
Also READ: Memes galore after Netherlands hand South Africa an upset in Dharamsala
Complaint over inappropriate conduct of Indian fans
The second part of the complaint pertains to the alleged inappropriate conduct of Indian fans during the India-Pakistan match on October 14. It is believed that the complaints by PCB have been registered over ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogans chanted by Indian spectators while Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was walking back to the dressing room after his dismissal.
“The PCB has also filed a complaint in respect of inappropriate conduct targeted at the Pakistan squad during the India vs. Pakistan match held on 14th October 2023,” said the second part of PCB’s statement.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged another formal protest with the ICC over delays in visas for Pakistani journalists and the absence of a visa policy for Pakistan fans for the ongoing World Cup 2023.
The PCB has also filed a complaint regarding inappropriate conduct…
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 17, 2023
Pakistan’s loss against India and the road ahead in World Cup 2023
Pakistan’s quest for a historic win against India in the ODI World Cup 2023 took a hit with their defeat in Ahmedabad as their batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Indian bowlers, leading to a total of just 191 runs before being bowled out. In response, the Indian batters comfortably chased down the target, handing Pakistan their first loss in the tournament.
Despite the setback, Pakistan’s campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023 has been a decent one so far. The Babar Azam-led side currently occupies the fourth position in the points table with two wins in three games. Their next clash will be against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 20 and will provide them with an opportunity to regroup, refocus, and continue their pursuit of success in this highly competitive tournament.
