PCB Writes To ICC Regarding Visa Expedition Of Fans And Journalist For ICC World Cup 2023

After the Pakistan National Cricket Team got their Visa, PCB wants to expedite the Visa process for journalists and fans from Pakistan who want to cover the mega event. Earlier this month PCB wrote to ICC regarding the visa delays for players and now they want ICC to take some action regarding the visa delays for journalists and fans who want to cover and support their team in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

The Pakistan Cricket Board sent an Email to the ICC seeking prompt action on the visa process for fans and media. Around 50 journalists are expected to travel for the World Cup. However, it is difficult to put a number to the fans applying for the Indian visa. Pakistan have already played one of its two warm-up games for the World Cup and still, there is no one from Pakistan to cover the mega event because of visa delays

Sources in BCCI have revealed that the Ministry Of External Affairs is vetting the names of journalists who want to cover the World Cup. The visa applications will need clearance from three ministries: External Affairs, Home Ministry and Sports Ministry. This is because Pakistan is on India’s PRC which stands for Prior Reference List.

PCB Not Happy With The Visa Policy

“It is alarming that the media and fans are yet to be informed about the visa policy, as Pakistan have already played their first of the two warm-ups and will play their first World Cup contest in six days. The PCB expects that the ICC and other relevant authorities will expedite the matter as there is growing anxiety among Pakistan fans and journalists who wish to support and cover their team in the ICC CWC 2023,” a PCB source said referring to the email sent to ICC.

Pakistan will play their World Cup opener on 6th October against the Netherlands in Hyderabad and the PCB will hope that these visa issues are cleared before that so the fans can show their support for the team in the stadium. The PCB seeks the ICC’s help once again and they expect the relevant authorities to take further action regarding the issue. Pakistan will play Australia in their second warm-up game.