PCB Asks BCCI For Written Confirmation From Indian Government Regarding Visas For Their Players

In the latest report regarding the issuance of visas to Pakistani cricketers for the T20 World Cup scheduled next year in India, PCB has asked the BCCI to obtain written confirmation from the Indian government by January 2021.

The T20 World Cup was earlier scheduled to take place in Australia in 2020. But that has been postponed for 2022 owing to the issues raised by the pandemic. However, India will retain its hosting rights for the 2021 T20 World Cup to be held later in 2021. Due to the political tension between India and Pakistan, the PCB has asked for confirmation of visas from the Indian government.

We want a written confirmation to avoid any untoward situation: Ehsan Mani, PCB

According to a report in thenews.com.pk. The PCB chief, Ehsan Mani, aid that he is in talks with the ICC regarding this matter. Mani said that the BCCI had assured them to facilitate and the PCB in all matters. However, the PCB chief wants a written confirmation from BCCI and the Indian government to avoid any hiccups in the future.

According to thenews.com.pk, Ehsan Mani said, “The ICC has its tax issues with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and set January 2021 deadline to get the feedback. We also have moved the ICC to get written confirmation from Indian government by that time for participation in the T20 World Cup to be held in India later in 2021.”

“What we need is a timely confirmation in this regard. Though the BCCI has promised to facilitate the PCB on all fronts in presence of all the ICC members, however we want a written confirmation to avoid any untoward situation. India has promised to furnish a written permission by January 2021 along with solution of the pending tax issues,” he added.

The South African cricket team is expected to tour Pakistan early in 2021, and the PCB chief is expected other nations to follow. He said Pakistan is a safe country security-wise and is dealing well with the safety in the COVID-19 matters. He also said that since Pakistan toured England post the resumption of cricket, England will also be touring Pakistan, as the British High Commissioner in Pakistan has assured him.

“Pakistan — one of the safest countries — would be hosting South Africa, England, Australia, and New Zealand next year. Pakistan is much safer than any other country in context of Covid-19 pandemic. We have already made it clear to all the cricket-playing nations that if they want to play against Pakistan, their teams will have to tour Pakistan. There will be no offshore home series from here on.

“I am thankful to the British High Commissioner in Pakistan for his assurance to England team. Indeed, he is a big fan of cricket and knows well that this country is safe to host international events,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will host Zimbabwe for three ODIs and as many T20Is. The series will begin on 30th October in Rawalpindi, and the ODI series will be part of the ICC ODI Championship.

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