The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written an email to the ICC to speed up the visa process for the country’s media and fans for the ICC World Cup 2023 which is to begin in India on October 5.
Pakistan, who are based in Hyderabad in the run-up to the mega event, play their tournament opener against the Netherlands on 6 October.
The PCB had earlier written to ICC over the delay in visas for the Pakistan team and now another email has been sent, highlighting concerns over visas for Pakistan fans and media. In an email, the PCB sought prompt action from the ICC on the visa process for fans and media. While it is tough to put a number to the fans applying for an Indian visa, around 50 journalists are expected to travel for the World Cup.
BCCI sources have said that the External Affairs Ministry is vetting the names of journalists who want to cover the 50-over event. The applications will need clearance from external affairs, home, and sports ministries as Pakistan is on India’s prior reference list (PRC).
“The visa applications for Pakistan media are being facilitated,” said a BCCI source.
A PCB source added: “It is alarming that the media and fans are yet to be informed about the visa policy, as Pakistan has already played their first of the two warm-ups and will play their first World Cup contest in six days.
The PCB expects that the ICC and other relevant authorities will expedite the matter as there is a growing anxiety among Pakistan fans and journalists who wish to support and cover their team in the ICC CWC 2023.”
Pakistan lost their first warmup match to New Zealand on September 29 and will now play Australia on October 3 in the second and final warmup tie.
(PTI inputs)
