The players and officials of the Pakistan cricket team have successfully secured their Indian visas, a crucial step in their participation in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 scheduled to commence on October 5. This significant development came as a result of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) diligent efforts, which managed to obtain the necessary visas and travel documents from the Indian High Commission (IHC).
In preparation for the tournament, the Pakistan team is set to embark on their journey from Lahore to Dubai early Wednesday, followed by a subsequent travel leg to Hyderabad. Their first engagement in India will be a warm-up fixture against New Zealand, a pivotal moment in their quest for success in the ICC World Cup 2023.
The road to obtaining these visas was not without its challenges. Just a few days prior to this breakthrough, the PCB expressed its discontent by formally communicating their concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the protracted delay in visa issuance. This action underscored the importance of adhering to the Host-Member agreement, a fundamental document governing such international sporting events.
The PCB's letter to the ICC outlined the frustrating ordeal they had endured for three years, with their concerns consistently overlooked. The situation had escalated to the point where the team faced uncertainty, even having to cancel their plans to stay in Dubai for two days due to the visa complications. Promised 24-hour issuance times had proven elusive, exacerbating the team's anxiety and the PCB's concerns about the readiness of the host nation.
Despite these challenges, the news of the successful acquisition of Indian visas marks a turning point for the Pakistan cricket team as they gear up to represent their nation on the global stage, showcasing their skills and determination in the ICC World Cup 2023.