The former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Ehsan Mani on Saturday opened up on the ongoing visa issue as the Pakistani fans and journalist have not yet received their Indian visas.
He urged the PCB to show leadership and call back the Pakistani team before 14 October, when they are scheduled to play India in Ahmedabad.
“It’s time that the PCB stand up and show some leadership. If Pakistani fans and journalists aren’t issued Indian visas, then they [PCB] should recall the team before Pakistan play India,” Mani said in an interview with Geo News.
“In these circumstances where a no-go area has been created for Pakistani spectators and journalists, there is no justification for the Pakistani cricket team to play in the World Cup in India.”
The 78-year-old further stated that politics shouldn’t be mixed with sports.
“It is not appropriate to mix sports with politics. India is breaking the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) laws by creating these unpleasing circumstances.
“No tournament in the world can take place without the presence of a team’s fans and journalists. If PCB recall their team back from India, they will not bear any financial loss.
“When I was the chairman of PCB, I talked about this issue [policy for fans and journalists] three times in ICC meetings, after which the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of that time, Sourav Ganguly, assured me there will not be any issues related to visas to Pakistanis but now the tournament has started and we are not allowed to enter the country.”
It must be noted that on Friday (October 6), the PCB expressed serious concerns over the uncertainty towards the participation of Pakistani fans and journalists.
"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," PCB stated in a statement.
"Pakistani journalists and fans are expressing deep concern and it’s putting us under immense pressure. We understand the significant role that journalists and passionate fans play in enhancing the spirit and atmosphere of sports events.
"Their presence not only adds vibrancy to the stadium but also contributes to the global coverage and appreciation of the game. Journalists play a crucial role in bringing the excitement of sports to fans worldwide.
"We have been reminding ICC about their obligations and members' agreement on issuing visas for fans and journalists for the last three years and continue to raise concerns with all relevant authorities.
"We hope to see their presence soon."
Abdul Majid Bhatti