CWC 2023: PCB chief meets foreign secretary to discuss delay in visa issuance to Pakistani fans and journalists for World Cup

Nearly 60 journalists from Pakistan are waiting to travel to India to cover the showpiece event.

Concerned by the delay in visa issuance to Pakistani fans and journalists for the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf on Monday (October 9) met Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi to discuss the issue.

As per a PCB statement, Ashraf also urged the Foreign Secretary to bring the matter to the notice of Indian Home Ministry and Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

"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 Cricket 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.

Nearly 60 journalists from Pakistan are waiting to travel to India to cover the global showpiece tournament.

Pakistan have already played their opening match in the competition against Netherlands on October 6 and they are due to face Sri Lanka in Hyderabad on Tuesday (October 10).

Babar Azam and his men are scheduled to face India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.

The visa application of Pakistani journalists needed to be evaluated by home, external affairs and sports ministries as the country is on India's prior reference category (PRC) list.

(With PTI Inputs)