Why Pakistani Players Yet Haven't Received Visas For World Cup 2023 ?

The Zaka Ashraf-led PCB are in constant touch with the International Cricket Council (ICC) at the moment in order to solve the situation

Sep 25, 2023 - 21:19

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Why Pakistani Players Yet Haven't Received Visas For World Cup 2023 ?

The Pakistani team has not yet received their visas for the forthcoming ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to start on October 5. The squad led by Babar Azam is scheduled to depart on the early morning of August 27, but the delay in visa processing may result in their late arrival at the mega tournament. They are scheduled to play a warm-up game against New Zealand on September 29, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed their displeasure with the situation.

The organization managed by Zaka Ashraf is currently in contact with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to resolve the situation. Intriguingly, they are the only participating team that has not received a visa. As a result, PCB has asked the international body to intervene and has demanded written assurances from BCCI that visas will be issued to all teams.

"It is unfortunate that the Pakistan team has to endure this uncertainty prior to the main tournament. We have been reminding [them] of their responsibilities for the past three years, and it has come down to the last two days, with our first warm-up game scheduled for September 29", PCB said in a statement.

Pakistan is experiencing a decline in form

Prior to the World Cup, Pakistan must improve their form. In the recently concluded Asia Cup, the team led by Babar Azam sustained an embarrassing loss to India and also fell to Sri Lanka. Consequently, the team finished last in the Super Four standings.

Hasan Ali has replaced Naseem Shah in the World Cup squad. As a result, the team will mourn Naseem Shah. Having sustained a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup, the youth did not return to the team. It is a significant loss for the national team as he was exceptional in the continental competition.

On the other hand, Hasan will bring experience. So far, he has played in 60 One-Day Internationals for his country and has taken 91 wickets. Other than that, Pakistan's squad for the Asia Cup remains unchanged.