ODI World Cup 2023: Lone Pakistani fan sits in police van after failing to enter Narendra Modi Stadium for India-Pakistan clash

In the 12th match of the ODI World Cup 2023, India and Pakistan locked horns at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. There had been considerable anticipation in the cricketing world regarding whether fans from across the border could attend this epic encounter.

However, due to security concerns, Pakistan residents were denied Indian visas. The sole Pakistani supporter, known as "Chicago Chacha," hailing from Karachi, was observed at the stadium. However, he sought refuge inside a police van due to the overwhelming presence of Indian fans at the venue. 

A regular presence at cricket World Cups, he has attended every tournament since 2007. Despite experiencing the disappointment of his team not winning titles multiple times, the ardent fan has forged friendships with people from various countries. He has dedicated his enthusiasm to countless cricketing cities worldwide and witnessed numerous matches.

The lone Pakistani fan in India has put himself inside a police van after he was unable to get into the stadium with so many Indian fans outside the venue. #INDvPAK #IndiaVsPakistan #WorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/va9JIcK8Cd

— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) October 14, 2023

Meanwhile, another renowned fan, 'Bashir Chacha', has managed to secure his spot in Pakistan's matches as he was seen in Hyderabad. A source of curiosity for some, how Bashir managed to attend the remarkable event when many high-profile individuals could not. However, despite being of Karachi-born heritage, Bashir holds an American passport, which enabled him to easily obtain a visa. He had previously attended the ICC T20 World Cup held in India.

The tedious task of obtaining Indian visa for the neighbours 

PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf had a prior meeting with Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi to address the visa issuance delays faced by Pakistani fans and journalists attending the current World Cup in India. In the discussions, Ashraf also asked the Foreign Secretary to raise this matter with the Indian Home Ministry and the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

The International Cricket Council, which is responsible for organizing the event hosted by the BCCI, had previously promised to engage in discussions with the Indian cricket board to facilitate visa arrangements. Approximately 60 journalists are currently in anticipation of their travel to India for the ODI event. The visa applications for Pakistani journalists had to undergo scrutiny by the home, external affairs, and sports ministries due to Pakistan's inclusion in India's prior reference category (PRC) list.