"We will happily host 3,000 Pakistani cricket lovers for the matches. This is the first time that we have decided to issue so many visas in one go," the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.
India is to host Pakistan for two T20 internationals and three 50 over matches from December 25, beginning in Bangalore. Matches are also due to be held in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi which will host the last game on January 6.
"One thousand Pakistanis will be able to watch the Delhi match and 500 will be allowed to attend each of the other games," said the official.
"The BCCI (Indian cricket board) will be given all the necessary instructions to speed up the visa process."
The rivals have not played a series since Pakistan's tour of India in 2007, after cricket ties were broken following the 2008 attacks in Mumbai by militants from Pakistan.
The countries – where cricket is hugely popular – have fought three wars since independence in 1947.
The Indian and Pakistani cricket teams have met in international tournaments since 2007 including a semi-final in last year's ODI World Cup.
COMMENTS (39)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Impartial: You will be a fool if trust an Indian Hindu. There is Not third class nation on earth than Indian Hindu. Don't even give importance , This is how you treat them. This nation is so third rated and Low Life that it should not be even dialogued. Hope No other Hindu State Sponsored Terrorist like Col. Prohit will be Planting Bombs in Samjhota Express this time.
@M.E: Do not forget we suffered at the hands of 10.
Get ready Indians .. last time that was your uncle and aunties who suffer with only 9 Pakistanis .this time it can be you as well..huhuhuhuhahahahah
Pakistan welcome 2,000 Sikh Yatrees with open-heart, while so called 'secular' Indians are showing once again their bigotry. Still Pkistanis are accused of being narrow minded.
@M.E: Yes you r right.We r in shock after mumbai attack and really afraid of pakistani people.
A nation of more than one billion, is so insecure that they are having nightmare from only talks of visiting 3,000 people. hahaha......
A nation of more that one billion, is so insecure that they are having nightmare from only talks of visiting 3,000 people. Jay Hind hahaha......
request to indian gov. please make sure those 3000 fans leave india immediately after the series is over.
@ppl2013.com: Really...ask srilankan cricket team.
@londonistani,
Well, while you have demonstrated your "LOVE" by almost exterminating the non muslims in Pakistan, we are still only talking about hate, by allowing the population of muslims in India to GO UP after independence.
@ppl2013.com: But why indian team is not visiting pakistan? Pakistan is more secure than india Dude ,you must be joking.India will be the last team to visit pakistan if given the chance.
How much Indians hate us is evident in the comments above........
But why indian team is not visiting pakistan? Pakistan is more secure than india.
This is good sign but indian team should visit pakistan too.
@JohnK Times of India comments are just for fun and timepass, some people comment to grab attention, . Since comments are not regulated people can post anything from all over the world, some even fake to be Indian . It does not reciprocate feeling of Indians in general.
@john K: the indian websites are useless. the comments are not filtered.. so any aira-gaira-nathhoo-gaira... can post anything.. so please do not mind ... people keep blabbering.. and their percentage is small.. and given a forum where you can write anything you can imagine what nonsense people will write.. Ofcourse enmity exist and I am not denying it but people of India in general are very hospitable.. I think more people should visit India to have their fear removed..
Hope all 3000 go back and donot vanish here....as happened last time....
Positive step - should help support the proponents of peace - lets hope that no terrorist event takes place around this sporting events - if so, could be a game changer.
Indian govt has mistaken..there may be law and order problem..
The number should only be 300. Have any one watched the movie of the same name ?
@J.Sandhu: might be better for you not to see india get trashed on their own surface, just like england did to them last test match
Arrange special hotels for them , with all facilities , so that they don't have to come outside .Arrange tight security for them.Arrange buses for them which can transport them from stadium to hotel . These are because if they are set free , they will engage in violence and illegal works.
the only ones watching the matches-----------3000 pakistani fans. One word---boycott.
we sincerely hope there would be no receee for another 26/11 this time or the Indian govt would again proven as foolish as it was proven earlier
For all aman ki asha advocates- look at most agreed reader comment on indian news sites such as times of india regarding these visas. Nice to see general views of hospital indians
that means another 3000 terr* and headaches...
@Zaid Hamid: Funny hahahah
@Animal: Nice way to discount CIA atrocities.
Countries should bar entry to travelers from nations still plagued by polio unless they have proof they have been vaccinated, a new report suggests. The report says the move would safeguard other parts of the world against the possibility of polio spreading from the remaining three endemic countries.Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the only countries in the world that have never managed to stop the spread of polio viruses within their borders. The recommendation comes from a group of experts which critiques the efforts of the Global Polio Eradication Program. http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/11/28/polio-progress.html
@Zaid Hamid: Dream on.
@Indian Baloch: Dont worry. Being outnumbered they will be too scared to do any mischief.
@Indian Baloch: Pakistani Cricket Fans may have get in problem, coz of Inadequate toilet facilities in India.....lols
What do you mean by Izzat se....@Indian Baloch:
We will apply. We will go to Delhi and watch the match from Red Fort.
Sincerly hope they will go back Izzat se after enjoying cricket!!
CIA involved