The Pakistani team’s visa issues have been resolved. Babar Azam and the rest of the Pakistan squad for the World Cup can now travel to India, as their visa issues have been resolved.
On September 25 evening, the International Cricket Council (ICC) verified to CricAdvisor that the Indian Government has approved visas for the Pakistan team. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has also informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the traveling party’s passports are now available for collection.
This confirmation comes hours after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) voiced their concerns regarding the ‘extraordinary delay’ in obtaining visas and disclosed that they had brought the matter to the attention of the ICC. However, according to ICC sources cited on this website, the procedure followed standard administrative procedure.
Cricadvisor is aware that the reason for the postponement is PCB’s late application submission. According to sources, the complaint that they could not travel to Dubai has no merit because biometric tests have always been required. In addition, due to the nature of the India-Pakistan diplomatic relationship, a 10-day process was always necessary, as three Indian ministries, including External Affairs and Home, are involved in the certification of Pakistan visas.
The same procedure is followed for all Pakistani applications, and there was no delay in this case. Usman Khawaja’s visa application was delayed prior to this year’s Border-Gavaskar Test series as an example. Although he is now an Australian citizen, Khawaja’s application had to go through multiple phases, which delayed his departure.
Previously, the PCB stated that it had addressed concerns with the ICC regarding what it termed an inevitable treatment. PCB spokesperson Umar Farooq stated, “There have been extraordinary delays in obtaining clearance and visas for the ICC World Cup for the Pakistan team.” We have written to ICC raising our concerns about inequitable treatment towards Pakistan and reminding them of these obligations towards the World Cup.
“It’s a matter of disappointment that Pakistan team has to go through the uncertainty ahead of the major tournament. We have been reminding about their obligations from last three years and it has all come down to last two days with our first warm game scheduled on September 29 . We were forced to cancel our original plan to organize team-building exercises in Dubai on the way to India. We have had to rework our plan and book new flights, but these plans are subject issuance of visas.”
Later, the PCB confirmed receipt of the visa approval notification. At 3.30 p.m. on September 27, the team will depart for Hyderabad, the site of their first contest and warm-up games.
Pakistan - New Zealand warm-up game to be played behind closed doors
The BCCI has confirmed that the official World Cup warm-up match between New Zealand and Pakistan, which is scheduled for September 29 in Hyderabad, will be contested behind closed doors on the advice of the local security agencies. The match in Hyderabad occurs on the same day as festivals, and large crowds are anticipated throughout the city. Those who purchased tickets for the event will receive a complete refund.
