Visas processed for journalists too
AHMEDABAD: In a boost to Pakistan following their big win in Hyderabad, the PCB informed in a media release on Wednesday that Pakistan Cricket Board Managing Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf will travel to India on Thursday to witness their 2023 World Cup 2023 clash against arch-rivals India on Saturday. Not just that, the big-ticket clash could be covered by at least 25 journalists from across the border. There's still no word on visas for Pakistan fans so far.
"Lots of visas being processed in the last 24 hours," A well-placed source tracking developments told TOI.
Ashraf made the decision to travel to India after it was confirmed that Pakistan's 60-odd media contingent was given the go-ahead to submit their passports for an Indian visa to cover the World Cup.
"I have delayed my travel to India, and I am travelling tomorrow after receiving confirmation that Pakistan's journalists have been asked to submit their passports to obtain visas to cover the mega event. I am happy that my conversation with the foreign office helped in achieving a positive development regarding the visa delay," Ashraf said.
"I am extremely pleased with the way the players have performed so far in the World Cup, winning both matches. The PCB management committee and the entire nation stand firmly behind the players for a successful campaign in the ongoing World Cup. I am travelling to India to motivate the team, and my message to them before the India contest will be to play fearlessly as they have been playing throughout the event," Ashraf stated.
Pakistan's media failed to get their India visas for the first two games of this World Cup. In a response to a query in this regard last week, an ICC spokesperson had said, "Very soon hopefully (on Pakistan media getting visas to cover the World Cup). This is an obligation of our host and they are working hard on it with our full support. Every effort is being made to get this sorted."
