ODI Cricket World Cup 2023: PCB has formally requested Apex Cricket Council to expedite processing of visa applications for media and fans

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently communicated with the Apex Cricket Council (ACC), urging them to step in and expedite the visa processing for media personnel and fans intending to travel to India for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. The board's spokesperson has confirmed this development, stating that they have officially contacted the ACC via email, emphasizing the need for swift action given the tournament's imminent commencement on October 5.

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Significantly, the visa application procedures remain uncertain even as the warm-up matches for the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 are already underway. Regarding the main event, Pakistan is scheduled to play its first match against the Netherlands on October 6, with the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad serving as the venue, the same location as their initial warm-up game.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has again raised the matter of visas for the Pakistan fans and media with the ICC. In an email, the PCB has moved the ICC to take prompt action on the visa policy so the media and fans can apply for the Indian visas in a timely manner and can cover and cheer, respectively, the touring side,” a PCB spokesperson told Dawn.

“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 PCB expects that the ICC and other relevant authorities will expedite the matter as there is a growing anxiety amongst Pakistan fans and journalists who wish to support and cover their team in the ICC CWC 2023,” the spokesperson of PCB added.

Fans are anxious about the time frame of the visa process

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According to reports, there is a lack of clarity from the Indian High Commission in Pakistan regarding the visa process. The situation appears challenging currently, given that the standard visa processing time is typically close to 90 days.

Meanwhile, numerous YouTubers and fans have proactively appealed to the PCB and ACC to intervene and engage with the Indian government to expedite the approval of the entire visa procedure.