ODI World Cup 2023: Visa issues with Pakistan finally sorted

The much-discussed visa issues that had been vexing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have finally been sorted out. The issue being resolved means that the Babar Azam-led side is cleared to travel to India ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023.

The same was confirmed by the ICC (International Cricket Council) that the Indian government has cleared the visa issues, and the Pakistani side is cleared for travel. Furthermore, the confirmation comes after the PCB reported the matter to the ICC, as they complained about an extraordinary delay in the visa issuing, which was delaying their trip to India.

However, several reports came forward that stated that the delay was caused by the PCB submitting their applications late. Furthermore, the delay also happened due to the political tensions between India and Pakistan which require a 10-day process to be cleared before visas can be issued, as the External Affairs and Home Ministry are involved in the clearance of Pakistan visas.

Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign by taking on Netherlands

Speaking of Pakistan’s on-field assignments, the side will be travelling to India and competing in two World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia on September 29 and October 3, respectively.

Furthermore, after the warm-up games, the side will take on the Netherlands for their first game of the ODI World Cup 2023. Both sides will face each other in the second match of the competition at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6. 

Coming on the back of a subpar showing in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan will hope that their World Cup campaign will be better. Led by Babar Azam, the side will be keen on putting in an improved performance and aim to go all the way in the marquee event. Speaking of the Asia Cup, Pakistan made it to the Super Four stage of the tournament but were eliminated by Sri Lanka and they will look to avoid a similar outcome in the World Cup.