(Image Source: ICC)
[Saba Sports News] The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging them to expedite the visa application process for fans and media personnel planning to attend the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. A PCB spokesperson confirmed this development, highlighting the urgency of the situation since the tournament is scheduled to commence on October 5.
Visa application policies remain uncertain, even as warm-up games for the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 are already underway. Pakistan’s first match in the tournament is set for October 6 against the Netherlands, taking place at the same venue as their first warm-up game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The PCB spokesperson stated, ‘The Pakistan Cricket Board has again raised the matter of visas for the Pakistan fans and media with the ICC. In an email, the PCB has urged the ICC to expedite the visa policy so that media and fans can apply for Indian visas in a timely manner to cover and support the touring side.’
The spokesperson added, ‘It is alarming that the media and fans have yet to be informed about the visa policy, as Pakistan has already played their first of the two warm-up matches 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 growing anxiety amongst Pakistan fans and journalists who wish to support and cover their team in the ICC CWC 2023.’
Fans are concerned about the timeframe for the visa process and have requested the ICC and PCB to intervene in order to address the matter with the Indian government and secure clarity on the visa application process.