Pakistan has secured its visas for the upcoming World Cup 2023 in India following its expression of concerns to the International Cricket Council regarding delays and dissatisfaction with “unfair treatment.”
The squad is set to depart for Hyderabad via Dubai on Wednesday morning. Umar Farooq, spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board, confirmed that they received passport collection confirmation from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Monday. A total of 18 Pakistani players and 15 support personnel are scheduled to make the journey to India.
Previously, the PCB expressed its dissatisfaction with the ICC regarding the delays. In a statement, Farooq expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s regrettable that the Pakistan team is facing this uncertainty just before the major tournament.”
He further mentioned, “There has been an exceptional delay in obtaining clearance and securing Indian visas… We have corresponded with the ICC, highlighting our concerns about the unequal treatment of Pakistan and reminding them of their responsibilities towards the World Cup.”
Farooq emphasized that Pakistan had reminded the ICC governing body of these obligations for three years, but it has all culminated in the last two days.
As a result of the delays, the PCB had to cancel its original plan for a team-building process in Dubai during the journey to India. Farooq explained, “We had to revise our plan and make new flight arrangements.”
Pakistan is scheduled to face New Zealand in Hyderabad on Friday, followed by a warm-up match against Australia on October 3. Their World Cup campaign kicks off on October 6 against the Netherlands.
Earlier India vs Pakistan was rescheduled on October 18 alongside other 8 matches. Due to security concerns the warm up match between Pakistan and New Zealand was rescheduled to played as indoor game in Hyderabad.
There have been considered issues relating to timings and schedule of ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan has troubling relations with India. That’s why these issues keep coming back but in sports arena, these matters shouldn’t take place.
Pakistan’s squad for ODI World Cup 2023:
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim Jr
Reserves: Mohammad Haris, Zaman Khan, Abrar Ahmed
