With just seven days remaining for Pakistan’s cricket team to play their first warm-up match in the Cricket World Cup 2023, they are facing an unexpected hurdle – delays in obtaining Indian visas. According to reports, as of now, the Pakistani team has not received the necessary visas to travel to India for the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its concerns about the visa issuance process for the national squad, alerting the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the issue. The PCB has highlighted that, as per the agreements in place, the visas for the national squad and support staff should have been issued in a timely manner. However, the PCB has not received confirmation or updates regarding the status of these visas from Indian authorities.
The situation has prompted the PCB to engage with Indian authorities through diplomatic channels to expedite the visa issuance process. They have been in contact with the Indian Consulate for over a week, seeking prompt action to ensure that the Pakistani team can travel to India as scheduled.
The Pakistan cricket team is slated to depart for Dubai on September 26, from where they will make their way to India. Their first warm-up match is scheduled against New Zealand on September 29.
The delay in visa issuance is causing anxiety among fans and players alike, as it threatens to disrupt Pakistan’s preparations for the World Cup. A smooth and timely arrival in India is crucial for the team to acclimatize, practice, and be in the best shape for the tournament.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complex political dynamics that sometimes spill over into the world of sports. While cricket has often acted as a unifying force among fans in both India and Pakistan, bureaucratic challenges and diplomatic tensions can occasionally disrupt the game.
Cricket enthusiasts on both sides of the border are hoping for a swift resolution to the visa issue, allowing the Pakistani cricket team to participate in the Cricket World Cup 2023 without further hindrance. The tournament is eagerly anticipated, and fans are looking forward to witnessing top-notch cricketing action and sportsmanship on the field.
