Pakistan’s World Cup has already started. Babar Azmara played against the Netherlands on the second day of the tournament. There are two more matches in the next week. However, Pakistani journalists and supporters still need to receive visas to India.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its disappointment to the ICC, the governing body of cricket. In response, the ICC said that the Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) is vigorously trying to complete the visa process for Pakistani journalists.
According to Cricinfo sources of the Indian news agency PTI, many local people supported Babar in the Pakistan-Netherlands match in Hyderabad. But there were no Pakistani supporters in the gallery. Pakistani journalists were also absent. Around 60 Pakistani journalists have applied for Indian visas to cover the World Cup.
An ICC spokesperson told PTI, “We must grant visas to the host (India). They (BCCI) are also trying hard for this with all our support. Every effort is being made to solve it.
Pakistan will face India in the World Cup on October 14. Many fans from Pakistan are waiting to travel to India to watch this match. PCB hopes that the visa issue will be resolved before the India-Pakistan match. A PCB spokesperson said, “For three years, we have been reminding the ICC of their responsibilities regarding supporter and journalist visas and the agreements reached between member countries, and have communicated our thoughts to the relevant authorities.”
Before Pakistan’s first match against the Netherlands, the PCB spokesperson said, “PCB is disappointed to see the uncertainty of getting visas for Pakistani journalists and fans to cover Pakistan’s first match in the World Cup.” We understand the role and importance of fans and journalists in making sporting events more vibrant.’
According to PTI news, India’s list includes Pakistan in the PRC (Prior Reference Category) list. That is why the visa application of a Pakistani passport holder is verified through the Ministry of Home Affairs, External Affairs and Sports of India.
Pakistan national team players also faced visa complications to go to India to play in the World Cup earlier. The Indian government granted the visa just 48 hours before the Pakistan team’s scheduled itinerary started.
