“There will be no relaxation of visa rules for the cricket fans. We cannot compromise our security as it is our prime concern. So, whoever seeks a visa, has to name a local sponsor,” a Home Ministry official said.
Reportedly, twelve Pakistanis disappeared in India during the 2007 series and the reason behind their disappearance still has to be determined.
There is no set quota of visas but all applicants would be required to present proof, including a copy of the series ticket purchased that they are visiting India for the much awaited series, scheduled to be played between December 25 and January 6, after which eligible applicants will be issued a visa.
The series would comprise three ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals.
The ODI matches will be played in Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi and the Twenty20 games in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
It is noteworthy that the new visa agreement, signed by then Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and Interior Minister Rehman Malik in Islamabad on September 8, eases curbs on issuing visas to traders, elderly people, tourists, pilgrims, members of civil society and children.
The Home Ministry will soon discuss with governments of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat and the Delhi Police on various security related issues at the venues and how to ensure fool-proof security during the matches.
A number of high-level Pakistani dignitaries are also expected to visit India to watch some of the matches.
The rivals have not played a series since Pakistan’s tour of India in 2007, after cricket ties were suspended following the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
COMMENTS (20)
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@Asad: Dont wory about shiv sena. They are only threats for pakis, not for us indians. So you tell ur people to to just watch matches nd go bk to home or we are not responcible if any paki got damage while wandering on roads.
Shucks, I guess Afridi was right after all about the size of Indians' vital hollow muscle that pumps blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions :p
@True Indian: @indian: @ All Indians I hope this time shiv sena is not going to ruin all this, are you keeping eye on shiv sena? Or you people just concentrating on Karachi and Baluchistan? Keep DIGGING!!
The match between two countries has already started on ET which as of now is in a balance with India losing two quick wickets and Pakistan dropping two catches of the star batsman Virat Kohli who has crossed his half century and looking dangerous.
@ET: In today's Times of India newspaper, there was a news article, which stated that the visa rules have been relaxed for the Pakistani fans. There will be no need for an Indian sponsor for Pakistani fans. The only thing Pakistani fans are supposed to do is present their return journey ticket along with their visa application. Anyway, as an Indian, I am against this series and issuing of visas to Pakistanis as it could prove to be a security threat for us Indians.
@zaid: yes ....not much is happening here...Pakistan sems to be the most happening place in the world right now....lot of action going on in karachi and Pakistan....After Afghanistan, we are witing for Balochistan to attck you...
pakistanis should sit at home relaxed watching the match on TV.....it has been promised that this time ...no load shedding .........
@enlighten moderate: understandable.....since u r frustrated with u r burqa girls.........lol
@ST12 Yes all your brethren are billionaires and millionaires. FYI Muslim population in India is 200 million, of those there many millions of Shia and Ahmedia Muslims.And they are in no way pro Pakistan given the fact how you treat them in your country.
Its funny how Indians have the time to comment on a Pakistani website, must be real bored there.
@Jack:
Yes I have met alot of Indian even who are Hindus who want to have good relations ship to move forward...but i think you are not among those who could understand that....
I still do not get the point of these series? its basically an attempt to humiliate host or self in their country? Which ever team wins, its respective fans can bad mouth and laugh at other team in their face? Yeah definitely a good step in peace process.
This is crazy. Fans are not seeking immigration.
@ST12: Have you tried asking how many of those will even respond to your request-that might be shocking to your likes!!
Finally, Father will be welcomed!
@rahul
Yet u so desperate you here on pakistani news site to comment, whats the matter no love at home? LOL
@Arya Samaj Well said dude. If we allow the whole Pakistan will come to India. Anyways they have nothing there in their country.
Certainly a good move to check any terrorist or spy crossing over to carry out attacks and espionage activities in India.
The reason why India insists on getting sponsors from Indians before it can issue visas to Paki "cricket fans" is to find out what routes they take to India and how they come in the dark of the night without passports and visas. Please, Paki brethren, stay back. Why does this guy Zaka Ashraf insists on bringing a team to India. India is not a good place to play cricket for you guys. But where else would you poor guys play cricket?
its Ok, we have more than 300 million sponsors over there in india.....