PCB angry over Pakistan journalists being denied visas; Check out how they will participate in 2023 World Cup press conferences

There was a lot of drama before the Pakistan cricket team arrived in Hyderabad for the 2023 ODI World Cup on September 27. Initially, all 9 teams except Pakistan were granted visas by the Indian government, derailing their plan to hold a team camp in the UAE before coming to India. However, 48 hours before their scheduled departure to India, the Men in Green were finally issued their visas. 

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Meanwhile, the new visa saga has emerged as Pakistani journalists are yet to receive their visas. Apart from Pakistan's 15-man squad and supporting staff, there is no representation from them in the ongoing World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board, which had earlier appealed to the Cricket Governing Body to resolve the denial of visas to its players, has now expressed displeasure.  

“PCB is disappointed to see that Pakistani journalists and fans are facing uncertainty about obtaining an Indian visa to cover Pakistan’s opening game in the ICC World Cup. Pakistani journalists and fans are expressing deep concern and it’s putting us under immense pressure,” a letter from the PCB to the Cricket Governing Body stated.

No journalist from Pakistan is granted a visa to cover the marquee event in their neighbouring country. The PCB is understood to have filed a complaint about the same to the governing body of cricket. There was not a single journalist from Pakistan at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad for their opening match against the Netherlands on October 6. 

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In response to the PCB's letter of concern, the governing body's spokesperson said: “We understand the significant role that journalists and passionate fans play in enhancing the spirit and atmosphere of sports events. This is an obligation of our host and they are working hard on it with our full support. Every effort is being made to get this sorted.

Pakistani journalists to attend press conferences through WhatsApp

Meanwhile, as uncertainty over visa approval remains, Pakistani journalists have been given an opportunity to participate in the 2023 World Cup press conferences. They can send their questions to the Cricket Governing Body's media manager on WhatsApp, who will pose them to the Pakistan representative attending the conference. 

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“In addition to taking questions from the media present, the Pakistan representative at the media conference will also answer a few questions sent in by members of the Pakistan media who are still to travel for the event,” said a media release sent by the Cricket Governing Body. 

Babar Azam and Co. opened their World Cup campaign with a convincing 81-run victory over the Netherlands. They will be next in action on Tuesday, October 10, against Sri Lanka at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.