ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan Team's Indian Visas Approved, Arrival Expected in 24 Hours

The ICC World Cup 2023 is poised to commence next week, featuring ten teams vying for the coveted trophy in India. However, just before the grand event’s kick-off, minor visa snarls have been blown out of proportion in the media in recent days.

Reports had emerged that the visas for the Pakistan contingent had been delayed, significantly disrupting the team’s World Cup preparations. The squad was scheduled to arrive in Hyderabad via Dubai and they had to cancel the same as the team members awaited their visas from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

But now, a source within the BCCI confirmed to News 18 Cricketnext on Monday that the members of the Pakistan cricket team have indeed been issued visas, which they are expected to receive within the next 24 hours. The sources also revealed that the Afghanistan cricket team is also in the process of obtaining their visas on Monday.

Meanwhile, leg-spinner Rashid Khan’s latest post on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter) has indicated that the Afghanistan team will soon touch down in India for the much-awaited event, starting October 5 in Ahmedabad.

“The clock is ticking! All set to represent Afghanistan at the #CWC23,” Rashid posted.

PCB knocks at ICC’s doors

As stated by news agency PTI, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“PCB had sent its officials to Islamabad for passport collection yesterday but the visas are still in process. That has forced the board to cancel the team bonding trip in Dubai. If the visas come through, the team will reach Hyderabad on September 27 via Dubai,” the news agency quoted a source as saying.

A total of 33 members of the Pakistan contingent, including players, three travelling reserves and team officials, will be travelling to India for the ICC World Cup 2023.

Schedule for practice games of Pakistan and Afghanistan

Pakistan to play against New Zealand in their first warm-up game on September 29 in Hyderabad. They will face Australia in their second warm-up game on October 3 at the same venue. Babar Azam & Co will begin their campaign in the main event against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad.

Afghanistan to play their first warm-up game against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram, before flying to Guwahati for the second practice fixture against Sri Lanka on October 3. The Afghans will face Bangladesh in their World Cup campaign opener in Dharamsala on October 7.