In a nail-biting race against time, the Pakistan cricket team has finally secured their Indian visas, putting an end to the nerve-wracking uncertainty that had clouded their participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This visa permission at the eleventh hour comes after a string of irritating delays that had the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on edge.
Originally, the Pakistan team had their sights set on a two-day team bonding session in Dubai before heading to India for the much-anticipated tournament. However, due to the visa delay, these plans had to be scrapped, throwing the team’s preparations into turmoil.
The PCB didn’t mince words when expressing their concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC). They emphasized the importance of fair and timely visa processing for all participating teams, as well as their dissatisfaction with the lengthy delays that hampered the team’s training and plans.
The visa application process had kicked off well in advance, with passport details submitted to the ICC as early as August. The ICC promptly issued the visa invitation letter by late August, and visa applications, along with passports, were submitted to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad by mid-September. Despite these diligent efforts, the visas were granted only a few hours before the team’s scheduled departure.
Context
This episode throws light on India and Pakistan’s complicated relationship, which has been damaged by decades of political tensions and stringent restrictions on cross-border migration. Direct flights between these two countries have been prohibited for more than four years, complicating travel logistics for sports teams.
Although cricket matches between India and Pakistan have become rare due to political issues, the ICC Cricket World Cup remains a stage where these arch-rivals can face off. The visa delays added an extra layer of tension to the already intense cricketing rivalry.
Pakistan Team Departure
The Pakistan team is now set to depart for India on September 27, just in time for their pre-tournament warm-up matches. Their World Cup campaign kicks off on October 6 with a match against the Netherlands. However, the showdown everyone’s waiting for is the electrifying clash between India and Pakistan, scheduled for October 14 in Ahmedabad.
It’s worth noting that India had opted not to tour Pakistan for the Asia Cup, choosing to play their matches in Sri Lanka instead. This decision had fueled speculations about the strained cricketing relations between the two nations.
Clearances from three Indian ministries—Home, External Affairs, and Sports—are required for visa applications from Pakistan. While the ICC confirmed the approval of Pakistan’s visas, specific details regarding the approval process remain undisclosed.
As cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the hope is that on the field, India and Pakistan will deliver unforgettable moments, setting aside the off-field challenges that have shadowed their cricketing relations.
