Indian Government Approves Visas for Pakistan Squad, Ending Delay
The Indian government has given its approval for visas to be issued to the Pakistan squad that will be traveling to the World Cup. The approval came less than 48 hours before the team was scheduled to fly out to Hyderabad via Dubai. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had expressed its displeasure at the delay in the issuance of the visas and had sent an email to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to complain about the situation.
The delay in visa issuance had already caused the Pakistan team to cancel their pre-World Cup team bonding trip to the UAE. However, an Indian government spokesperson confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs had given security clearance for the issue of visas and that the process was underway. The PCB is expected to receive the passports with visas for its squad on Monday evening.
Earlier in the day, the PCB had formally written to the ICC asking for steps to be taken to resolve the visa issue. They also questioned whether the delay in providing visas constituted a breach of the hosting agreement for the World Cup. In July, the ICC had been informed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that visas for the Pakistan contingent would be facilitated in time, but it is unclear whether this assurance was put in writing.
The Pakistan team will now fly out to Dubai on Wednesday and then travel to Hyderabad on the same day. Their first warm-up game is scheduled for Friday against New Zealand in Hyderabad.
The delay in visa issuance had caused disappointment for the PCB, as they had reminded the Indian government of their obligations for the past three years. The PCB released a statement expressing their disappointment and emphasizing the importance of the upcoming tournament.
News of the visa delay was first reported by ESPNcricinfo last Friday. The delay had resulted in the cancellation of a team-bonding trip to the UAE. The PCB had raised concerns about the inequitable treatment towards Pakistan and reminded the ICC of its obligations towards the World Cup.
According to the PCB, the visa application process began at the end of August, but due to the team’s travel for the Asia Cup, they initially tried to submit applications without physical passports. However, they were informed that passports were required, and the final application was submitted on September 19.
This delay in visa issuance has not only affected the Pakistani squad but also players of Pakistani origin from other countries. Two players from the Netherlands, who have Pakistani roots, were unable to travel for a preparatory camp in Bengaluru due to visa delays.
The PCB’s concerns about the delay in visa issuance have now been resolved with the Indian government granting approval. The Pakistan team can now fully focus on their upcoming matches in the World Cup.