The suspense surrounding Pakistan’s involvement in the highly-anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has come to an end as India has officially issued visas to the Pakistan cricket team. This pivotal development comes after concerns arose over a delay in the visa issuance process, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to voice their grievances with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The PCB had raised objections to the visa delay, asserting that it had severely impacted the team’s preparations for the prestigious tournament, which is scheduled to take place just across the border. The ICC has now confirmed that the visa issue has been resolved.
More related: Pakistan cricket team yet to receive visas for ICC World Cup 2023 in India
An ICC spokesperson, speaking exclusively to Reuters, stated, “Visas have been issued to the Pakistan team,” while refraining from providing further details. This news brings a sigh of relief to cricket enthusiasts and paves the way for an exciting World Cup event.
Notably, India and Pakistan have suspended bilateral cricket matches due to ongoing political tensions between the neighboring nations. Consequently, the two cricketing giants only face off in multi-team tournaments such as the World Cup and Asia Cup, making this event even more significant for fans.
PCB spokesperson Umar Farooq confirmed to Reuters that they have been instructed to collect their passports from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, indicating a positive step forward in resolving the visa issue.
Expressing their concerns in a strongly-worded statement, Farooq decried the “inequitable treatment” meted out to the Pakistan team. He emphasized the extraordinary delay in obtaining clearance and securing Indian visas, especially in the lead-up to such a major tournament.
Farooq stated, “We have written to the ICC, raising our concerns about the inequitable treatment towards Pakistan and reminding them of their obligations towards the World Cup. It’s disappointing that the Pakistan team has had to endure such uncertainty ahead of this major tournament.”
As Pakistan’s cricket team gears up for the World Cup, they are set to play two warm-up matches before their campaign kicks off with a match against the Netherlands on October 6. The highly-anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for October 14 in Ahmedabad, promising a thrilling showdown for cricket fans worldwide.
