Commonwealth Games 2022: Six Birmingham-bound India cricketers await visa

New Delhi, July 22: With less than 48 hours before their departure to Birmingham for the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2022, six members of the Indian women's cricket contingent are yet to get their visas.

Women's cricket is making its debut at the Commonwealth Games. The Indian squad is currently training in Bengaluru and is scheduled to leave for Birmingham on Sunday (July 24). The BCCI is in touch with the Indian Olympic Association on the issue.

"Few of the visas came in today but they are still six left for processing including three players and three players support staff," an IOA source told PTI. "The remaining should come by tomorrow. We have very little over control over the process anyway. There is summer rush and UK visas are taking time."

The kits have not reached Bengaluru as well, but the IOA official assured that it will be delivered by Saturday (July 23). The BCCI had announced a 15-member squad for the Games, beginning July 28.

Indian cricket team will be opening their campaign against the mighty Australians on July 29 before facing arch-rivals Pakistan on July 31. An eight member support staff was also named with three reserve players.

Chef de Mission gets visa, his deputy awaiting

India's Chef de Mission Rajesh Bhandari finally got his visa on Friday and he will soon be flying out to join his colleagues in Birmingham. The IOA has named three Deputy Chef de Mission for the Games.

Anil Dhupar and Maninder Singh, who too had to wait for their visa till the last minute, took the flight on Friday (July 22) morning. Deputy Chef de Mission Prashant Kushwaha is the one left waiting for his visa.

"His visa should also come soon," the IOA source added. Earlier this month, star wrestler Bajrang Punia also had to change his training plans for a training stint in the US as he stayed back in India to get his UK visa. He is now in the US and will travel straight to Birmingham from there.

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had on Thursday (July 21) informed that one of the squad members has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in isolation. It has been learned that the cricketer is "recovering fast".

(With PTI inputs)