New Delhi. The Pakistan cricket team is stuck in a visa dispute before the ICC ODI World Cup starting from October 5 in India. Nine teams participating in the World Cup have successfully obtained their visas, but Pakistan players are yet to get the green signal. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a decisive step by sending a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on this serious issue.
Uneasiness in Pakistani camp
Pakistan cricket team is scheduled to fly to India from Dubai on September 27, their first practice match before the start of the World Cup will be held in Hyderabad. Initially, the team had planned a two-day practice session in Dubai before leaving for India. However, due to delays in visa issuance, this preparation has been suddenly cancelled, leaving players with limited time to adapt.
PCB’s complaint to ICC
In a strongly worded letter to the ICC Chief Executive, the PCB expressed its deep concern regarding the visa process for players, team officials, fans and journalists traveling to India for the World Cup. The letter highlighted that these concerns have been ignored for more than three years. Furthermore, the PCB stressed that any form of abuse or discrimination towards Pakistan in this regard will not be tolerated.
Pakistan’s opening matches
Pakistan has to play its first match against Netherlands on 6 October at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. After this, the team will face Sri Lanka in its second match on 10 October. The much-awaited match against India is going to be held on 14th October in Ahmedabad. Under the captaincy of Babar Azam, Pakistan will field a contingent of 35 individuals, including players and support staff, when they visit India for the World Cup.