(Image Source: AFP)
[Saba Sports News] The Pakistan cricket team is facing visa delays for their travel to India for the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to commence on October 5. They were set to depart on the early morning of August 27, but the visa delay may impact their timely arrival for the tournament. A warm-up match against New Zealand is scheduled for September 29, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation.
The PCB, led by Zaka Ashraf, is in constant communication with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to resolve the issue. Notably, they are the only participating team yet to receive visas. The PCB has requested ICC intervention and demanded written guarantees from the BCCI regarding visa issuance to all participating nations.
In a statement, the PCB expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s a matter of disappointment that the Pakistan team has to go through this uncertainty ahead of the major tournament. We have been reminding [them] about their obligations from the last three years, and it has all come down to the last two days with our first warm game scheduled on September 29.”
Regarding their recent form, Pakistan faces the challenge of improving before the World Cup. In the Asia Cup, they suffered defeats to India and Sri Lanka, finishing at the bottom of the Super Four table.
Unfortunately, Pakistan will be without Naseem Shah in the World Cup, as Hasan Ali has replaced him due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup. Hasan Ali, with 60 ODI appearances and 91 wickets, brings valuable experience to the team. The rest of the squad remains unchanged from the Asia Cup.