For the Cricket World Cup 2023, PCB wants the ICC to speed up the visa process for media and fans
On Saturday, the Pakistan cricket board wrote to the sports governing body, the ICC, to speed up the visa process for journalists and fans who want to travel to India for the World Cup, which is going to start on October 5. In their letter, the Pakistan Cricket Board has written to the ICC over the visa delay for the players earlier this month, while highlighting their concerns over visas for Pakistan fans and media on this occasion. PCB wants the ICC to take action on the visa process for the fans and media. Although it is tough to give a number to the fans applying for an Indian visa, around 50 journalists are expected to travel for the World Cup.
As per the statement of sources in BCCI, the External Affairs Ministry is vetting the names of journalists who want to cover the 50-over event. The applications will need clearance from the external affairs, home, and sports ministries as Pakistan is on India's prior reference list.
A BCCI source said, "The visa applications for Pakistan media are being facilitated.”
On the other side, a PCB source 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 source further added, while referring to the email sent to the ICC, that "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.”