Setback for Pakistani cricket fans from India for World Cup
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Pakistan expresses optimism that India will uphold the spirit of sportsmanship without intertwining politics into the ICC World Cup 2023, as reported by ARY News on Thursday. This highly anticipated sporting extravaganza commences today with an inaugural clash between England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad, India.
During a routine weekly briefing, the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, conveyed that Pakistan is actively engaged in communication with Indian authorities to facilitate the issuance of visas for fervent cricket enthusiasts from Pakistan.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that India bears an obligation, as stipulated by the regulations of the International Cricket Council (ICC), to grant visas to Pakistani cricket fans for the ICC World Cup 2023. In a diplomatic plea, the FO spokesperson urged India to refrain from politicizing the realm of sports.
It is pertinent to note that Indian authorities have previously encountered criticism for the delay in issuing visas to Pakistani players. Notably, these visas were expedited after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the conduct of the Modi government.
The ICC World Cup 2023 unfolds with a group stage featuring 45 riveting matches, where each participating team will engage in competition against all other contenders. This year's tournament boasts a diverse lineup of teams hailing from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, making it a truly global spectacle that promises unparalleled cricketing action for fans worldwide.
As the world eagerly awaits this cricketing extravaganza, Pakistan's hope remains steadfast that the essence of sportsmanship will transcend geopolitical concerns, ensuring a fair and competitive ICC World Cup 2023 that unites nations through the shared love of the game.
