World Cup 2023: PCB lodges protest with ICC over visa delay

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally expressed its dissatisfaction with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the delay in obtaining Indian visas for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled to commence in India on October 5.

In a written communication to the ICC, the PCB conveyed their apprehensions and drew attention to the Host-Member agreement that governs such international sporting events. 

“We have been discussing this issue for three years,” the letter stated. “No one paid attention to our concerns. And now the situation has gotten to the point where we are yet to receive visas.

“We are in a state of uncertainty due to ignorance of concerned authorities. We had to stay in Dubai for two days but due to this visa issue, we had to cancel that [trip].

“Whenever we contacted the concerned authority, we were told that the visas would be issued in 24 hours.

“And now, with every passing day, the uncertainty is increasing and it is worrying everyone.”

The Pakistan team were expected to receive their Indian visas today.  The process involves the Indian Embassy in Pakistan acquiring the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian Interior Ministry, which will pave the way for the issuance of visas to the Pakistani players. However, the visas are still not issued as of close of working hours on Monday.

Pakistan team is slated to depart for Hyderabad, India, via Dubai on the morning of Wednesday. 

The first World Cup warm-up match for Pakistan is scheduled against New Zealand on Friday, September 29.