PCB desires ICC to expedite visa course of for media and followers for World Cup 2023 journey

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday wrote to the game’s governing physique ICC for expediting the visa course of for journalists and followers who want to journey to India for the World Cup starting on October 5.

Pakistan, which relies right here within the run-up to the mega occasion, performs its match opener towards the Netherlands on October 6.

The PCB, which had written to the ICC over the visa delay for the gamers earlier this month, highlighted its considerations over visas for Pakistan followers and media on this event.

In an e mail, the PCB sought immediate motion from the ICC on the visa course of for followers and media. While it’s robust to place a quantity to the followers making use of for Indian visa, round 50 journalists are anticipated to journey for the World Cup.

Sources within the BCCI, which is the match host, stated the External Affairs Ministry is vetting the names of journalists who wish to cowl the 50-over occasion. The purposes will want clearance from exterior affairs, residence and sports activities ministries as Pakistan is on India’s prior reference record (PRC).

“The visa applications for Pakistan media are being facilitated,” stated a BCCI supply.

A PCB supply added, “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 a growing anxiety among Pakistan fans and journalists who wish to support and cover their team in the ICC CWC 2023,” the supply added, referring to the e-mail despatched to ICC.