The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has again raised the matter of visas for Pakistan fans and media with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In an email, the PCB has moved the ICC to take prompt action on the visa policy so the media and fans can apply for Indian visas in a timely manner and can cover and cheer, respectively, the touring side.
As per PCB sources, 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 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup contest (against the Netherlands) in six days.
The PCB expects that the ICC and other relevant authorities will expedite the matter as there is a growing anxiety amongst Pakistan fans and journalists who wish to support and cover their team in the ICC CWC 2023
Earlier, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani emphasised that India is obligated to grant visas to Pakistan cricket fans for the ICC World Cup 2023 according to the ICC regulations.
India already delayed visas for Pakistan's national cricket team players and staff. They finally issued visas to the Pakistan team on September 25 ending uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's participation in the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) complaining about a visa delay.
Furthermore, this delay disrupted the Pakistani team's pre-tournament preparations, as they were unable to convene in Dubai for a "team-bonding trip."
"As per ICC rules, providing visas to the fans is mandatory," the foreign minister made the remark during a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday.
He added that Pakistani fans must get Indian visas and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will take up the matter with the ICC.
It must be noted Pakistan team received a warm welcome upon arrival in India on Wednesday for the ICC World Cup 2023.
The heartwarming moments were shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on its official social media channels on Thursday.
Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.
Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.
