ODI World Cup: PCB wants ICC to expedite visa process for media and fans travel in India

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a formal request to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday, urging them to speed up the visa process for journalists and fans who intend to travel to India for the Cricket World Cup starting on October 5.

The PCB, ahead of the prestigious tournament, has seen fit to deal swiftly with the mounting concerns over visa delays for Pakistan's cricket fans and the media.

Concerns Regarding Visa Approval for Pakistani Fans and Media

In its communication to ICC, PCB explicitly outlined its worries pertaining to the acquisition of visas for Pakistani fans and the media. Athletes from Pakistan have already commenced their training sessions in anticipation of the tournament, with their first game slated for October 6 against the Netherlands.

According to reliable sources within the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI), the host for the World Cup, approximately 50 journalists are likely to travel to India to cover the global spectacle.

Enhanced Diplomatic Cooperation Urged for a Streamlined Visa Process

According to BCCI insiders, the Indian government's External Affairs Ministry is rigorously vetting the list of journalists who have expressed interest in providing coverage of the One Day International (ODI) event. For journalists from Pakistan, visa applications will need the green light from not only the External Affairs and Sports Ministries but also India's home ministry.

This is because Pakistan is on India's Prior Reference Category (PRC) list. The PCB expressed alarm at the delay and urged swift clarification from relevant parties, as the World Cup approaches and anxiety grows amongst fans and media.

The PCB anticipates that the ICC and the responsible Indian authorities will facilitate the visa process given the mounting concerns amongst Pakistani fans and journalists. Due to the imminent start of the CWC 2023, it is crucial that the issue is resolved expediently to ensure a smooth World Cup experience for all stakeholders involved.