Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf revealed that he will depart for India after obtaining assurance about visas for Pakistani journalists covering the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Ashraf stated, “I have delayed my travel to India, and I am traveling tomorrow after receiving confirmation that Pakistan’s journalists have been asked to submit their passports to obtain visas to cover the mega event.” This development follows discussions with the Foreign Office that led to a positive outcome regarding the visa delay.
Zaka Ashraf, in addition to his visit to India, plans to attend Pakistan’s crucial fixture against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. He intends to motivate the team and encourage them to play fearlessly, as they have been doing throughout the event.
Ashraf expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the support of the PCB management committee and the entire nation for a successful campaign in the ongoing World Cup.
Indian authorities recently initiated the processing of visas for Pakistani journalists who wish to cover the event. The Indian embassy contacted journalists and requested them to submit their passports promptly.
The PCB had expressed concerns over the delay in the issuance of Indian visas for Pakistani fans and journalists despite the World Cup having commenced on October 5. Zaka Ashraf engaged with Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi to address the issue and also requested the foreign secretary to take up the matter with India’s Home Ministry through the Pakistan High Commission Office in New Delhi.
In accordance with ICC regulations, the host country is responsible for issuing visas to fans and journalists for event coverage. However, the delay in granting visas had caused uncertainty for Pakistani journalists and cricket enthusiasts wishing to attend the World Cup in India.
