First batch of Pakistani media departs for India to cover CWC

After overcoming a series of delays for various reasons, the inaugural group of Pakistani journalists has finally set off for India via the Wagah border on Friday. They have successfully acquired their visas to cover the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, thanks to the persistent efforts of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

The protracted visa issuance process had elicited criticism from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Foreign Office of Pakistan. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Foreign Office spokesperson, had previously stated that the ministry was actively engaged in discussions with Indian authorities to expedite visa arrangements for Pakistani journalists and fans.

In official correspondence to the ICC, the PCB emphasised the significant roles that journalists and fans play in enhancing the vibrancy and enthusiasm of sporting events. The PCB expressed its disappointment in the delay, citing that it had placed the board "under immense pressure."

The statement from the PCB lamented the uncertainty faced by Pakistani journalists and fans regarding their Indian visas for coverage of Pakistan's inaugural game in the ICC World Cup.

Read more: Pak fans, media face visa delay for World Cup

The Indian government has finally responded to the mounting pressure and has commenced the issuance of visas to Pakistani journalists. Sources close to the matter disclosed that while 200 Pakistani journalists had initially sought accreditation from the ICC to cover the World Cup matches, only 45 have received accreditation letters.

Furthermore, it was disclosed that Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires to India, Aizaz Khan, effectively liaised with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, which led to the initiation of the visa issuance process for Pakistani journalists.

Earlier, visas for the Pakistan team were granted barely 48 hours before their departure for their first tour of India since the T20 World Cup in 2016.

Cricket, a beloved sport, has been a casualty of the strained political relationship between the two neighbouring nations, which are also bitter rivals. They rarely face each other in bilateral series and mostly only meet in multi-team events such as the World Cup.