The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC) requesting expedited visa processes for journalists and fans planning to travel to India for the Cricket World Cup in 2023. Pakistan, based in India for the tournament, is scheduled to play their opening match against the Netherlands on October 6. The PCB expressed concerns over visa delays for fans and media and urged the ICC to take prompt action. The exact number of fans applying for Indian visas is unknown, but approximately 50 journalists are expected to cover the World Cup.
According to sources in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who is hosting the tournament, the Ministry of External Affairs is reviewing the names of journalists seeking coverage of the 50-over event. The applications require clearance from the external affairs, home, and sports ministries, as Pakistan is on India’s prior reference list. A BCCI source confirmed that visa applications for Pakistani media are being facilitated.
A PCB source expressed alarm that media and fans have yet to receive information regarding the visa policy, given that Pakistan has already played their warm-up matches and will soon engage in their first World Cup contest. The source expects the ICC and other relevant authorities to expedite the visa process due to the growing anxiety among Pakistani fans and journalists, who are eager to support and cover their team in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.