- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed displeasure over perceived inequitable treatment by the Indian government in visa issuance for the cricket team.
- The Indian government was accused of delaying visa approvals for the Pakistan team, causing disruptions in their travel plans.
- PCB lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding these delays and sought resolution.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has voiced its frustration over what it perceives as unfair treatment by the Indian government in the issuance of visas. While the visas for all the other teams have been granted promptly without any inconvenience, Pakistan has faced delays. With their departure arranged for tomorrow, the PCB is still awaiting news from the Indian high commission in Pakistan.
The PCB approached ICC for India’s disregardful behavior:
The delays have forced the PCB to escalate matters to the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to India’s continuous postponement of visa issuance to Pakistan.
Umar Farooq, the PCB spokesperson, expressed their concerns, stating, “There has been an unusually long delay in obtaining clearance and securing Indian visas for the Pakistan team for the ICC World Cup. We have written to the ICC, highlighting our concerns about the unequal treatment towards Pakistan and reminding them of their obligations to the World Cup.”
As a result of these unnecessary delays, the Pakistan Cricket Team had to cancel their plans for pre-World Cup team bonding in the UAE. Their passports were held with the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, preventing them from traveling
India violating responsibilities as host board:
India’s action appeared to violate its responsibilities as the host board. It has expressed disappointment over the visa delay and raised questions about the host team’s breach of World Cup rules.
“It’s a matter of disappointment that the Pakistan team has to go through this uncertainty ahead of the major tournament. We have been reminding [them] about their obligations from last three years and it has all come down to the last two days with our first warm game scheduled on September 29″ –PCB statement
After PCB reached out to ICC, the visa was eventually approved, allowing them to travel to India on Wednesday.
Concerns regarding the safety of players:
The situation has stirred up concerns among the players, regarding the safety of Pakistani players, as the Indian government’s perceived bias against Pakistan has become evident. Additionally, the first two matches of the World Cup are set to be played behind closed doors due to the government’s inability to provide adequate security to the players. These developments have heightened worries about the safety of Pakistani players in India.
