The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains to be awaiting for the visa clearance of its media contingent and followers to journey to India for the continued 2023 ODI World Cup.
Pakistan opened its World Cup marketing campaign towards the Netherlands on the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, and journalists from the neighbouring nation weren’t current to cowl the sport. Neither have been followers from Pakistan.
Mohammad Bashir, higher generally known as Bashir Chacha, was the lone Pakistani supporter, waving their nationwide flag from the stands. A resident of Chicago, Bashir landed within the metropolis every week in the past and acquired his ticket from a member of the Pakistani workforce.
Sportstar has Pakistan’s media accreditation record that the International Cricket Council (ICC) mailed to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). According to sources within the PCB, as many as 60 journalists have utilized for visas, and they’re but to be granted clearance.
“Till now there is no word about the visas, and the World Cup has already started. This is not what we expected, but we are still hoping that the Indian government clears the visas,” a PCB supply instructed Sportstar from Karachi.
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The HCA, on its half, has returned the accreditation playing cards to the BCCI and can re-issue if the visas are cleared.
“These cards can be misused if they fall into the wrong hands, and it’s a very sensitive matter. Since they haven’t gotten their visas, we have sent them back to the BCCI. We don’t want to take any risks, as there will be a huge inflow of media from different places and other countries. We haven’t received any communication, neither from the BCCI nor the ICC,” a senior HCA official mentioned.
The PCB had earlier written to the ICC relating to the delay in visas for Pakistani media and followers.
“We also did speak to the ICC, but they are also helpless, is what we are given to understand. The governing body should help and ensure that Pakistan journalists and fans get their visas for the World Cup. The visa applications were sent long back and by now they should have got it cleared,” one other supply mentioned. The publication tried to succeed in the External Affairs Ministry and is awaiting an official response.
Pakistan will play Sri Lanka subsequent, on October 10, right here after which tackle India in Ahmedabad on October 14.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com