PAK vs SL: Concerned PCB Approaches ICC After India Refuses Visas To Pakistan's Journalists And Fans: Report

While Babar Azam & Co. as well as the coaching staff did not face too many troubles in obtaining permission to visit India for the ICC World Cup 2023, it looks like the situation is not the same for anyone else from Pakistan.

The bilateral relationship between the two countries is at an all-time low and is showing absolutely no signs of improvement. India have suspended all the bilateral ties with Pakistan due to cross-border terrorism. The bilateral cricket relationship is also suspended since the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai.

Both the countries did play a short limited-overs series in the 2012/13 season but have only played against each other in ICC competitions and Asia Cup since then. There were question marks over Pakistan’s participation in the ongoing World Cup too but the Pakistan government eventually gave the team permission to travel to India. The players and the coaching staff also received the visas in time for the event.

Pakistan disappointed with India:

However, Pakistan is still disappointed with India and the reason is the absence of Pakistani journalists in India for the World Cup. India have refused to issue any visa to the journalists to come to the country for the coverage of the marquee event. The fans have also not got permission to come to India.

As per a report in myKhel, not a single Pakistani journalist has received the visa from India. The Pakistan Cricket Board is disappointed with the situation and has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to resolve the issue.

“PCB is disappointed to see that Pakistani journalists and fans are facing uncertainty about obtaining an Indian visa to cover Pakistan’s opening game in the ICC World Cup.

“Pakistani journalists and fans are expressing deep concern and its putting us under immense pressure. We understand the significant role that journalists and passionate fans play in enhancing the spirit and atmosphere of sports events,” stated a latter from the PCB to the ICC.

“We have been reminding ICC about their obligations and members agreement on issuing visas for fans and journalists for the last three years and continue to raise concerns with all relevant authorities, the PCB letter added.

The ICC is currently trying to resolve the issue by talking to the authorities. Pakistan will be in action next on Tuesday (October 10) when they lock horns against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad.