In a much-anticipated development, Pakistani journalists have finally received visas to cover the India-Pakistan cricket match in Ahmedabad on October 14. However, it's worth noting that no social media influencers or YouTubers were granted visas for this event.
Numerous journalists from Karachi have received confirmation of their visas from the visa agency. Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, is also preparing to travel to India to witness the highly anticipated Pakistan-India match at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.
This decision comes after confirmation was received regarding the issuance of visas for Pakistani journalists who will be covering this major event in India.
Zaka Ashraf mentioned, "I have rescheduled my travel plans to India and will be heading there tomorrow after confirming that Pakistani journalists have been instructed to submit their passports to obtain visas for covering this significant event."
In Pakistan, sports journalists had called on the country's media to boycott the World Cup, citing reports that the International Cricket Council would provide them with an opportunity to ask questions via WhatsApp rather than expediting the visa issuance process for Pakistani journalists.
Initially, the ICC had allocated a quota of 50 journalists for Pakistan, but a total of 206 applicants were vying for these spots. Last week, an ICC spokesperson informed Reuters that India was actively addressing the matter with the council's support.
Meanwhile, the PCB has continuously expressed its dissatisfaction with the uncertainty surrounding the visa situation.