(Image Source: AFP)
[Saba Sports News] In a surprising twist reminiscent of thrilling cricket matches, Pakistan’s pre-World Cup team-bonding trip to Dubai faces a setback due to visa processing delays.
Initially, the Pakistan cricket squad planned to depart for the UAE early next week, with a brief stopover before heading to Hyderabad, India, for their warm-up match against New Zealand on September 29. However, visa delays have forced a change in plans.
Amidst this unfolding drama, Pakistan now aims to depart from Lahore and fly to Dubai early on Wednesday morning, hoping for timely visa approvals. While the situation has been described as “alarming” by a cricket official, there is a prevailing sense of optimism that the visas will eventually be granted, allowing Pakistan to participate in the World Cup.
Notably, the visa applications were submitted over a week ago, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
ESPNcricinfo’s report highlights a unique predicament: Pakistan is the only cricketing team heading to India for the World Cup still waiting for visas. This delay underscores the intricate and politically tense backdrop against which the team is entering Indian territory.
The political tensions between the two nations have severely impacted cricket. Bilateral series between Pakistan and India have been rare, with the last one occurring during Pakistan’s visit to India for a white-ball series in 2012-13, amid strained relations following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Pakistan’s visits to India have been limited, with their last trip during the T20 World Cup in March 2016.
The complex political landscape has also affected cricket events, as seen in the recent Asia Cup. Despite being the official hosts, Pakistan could only host four matches on home soil, as India’s team was denied clearance to travel across the border. Most of the tournament took place in Sri Lanka, a solution devised by former PCB chief Najam Sethi.