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Indian Embassy To Grant Visas to Babar Azam & Co. for ODI World Cup Today

image-lmyknwcvThe Pakistan Cricket team is yet to get their travel visas to India (AP News)

After enduring significant delays and mounting tension, there's finally some positive news on the horizon for the men in green. The team, led by Babar Azam, is expected to have their visas issued today, bringing a sigh of relief to their World Cup plans. Originally scheduled to travel to India for the World Cup today, their departure was postponed due to the visa delay.

According to sources, the Indian embassy in Pakistan is anticipated to receive a non-objection certificate from the Indian Home Ministry later today. Once received, they will promptly issue the necessary visas to the Pakistani cricket squad.

The delay in visa issuance prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to inform the International Cricket Council (ICC), which in turn directed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to expedite the visa process. The team was understandably anxious, as any further delay could have seriously disrupted their World Cup preparations.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Pakistan has encountered visa issues when touring India. In the past, the football team for the SAFF Championship also faced visa delays, ultimately arriving in India on the day of their match after multiple setbacks in the visa issuance process.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are currently in the process of organizing a limited number of visas for Pakistani fans wishing to attend the World Cup. During the 2016 T20 World Cup, 250 visas per match were allocated for Pakistani fans and journalists. 

While the exact quantity of visas remains uncertain, the BCCI and ICC are collaborating closely with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to secure a restricted allocation of visas. These visas, similar to those issued during the 2016 T20 World Cup, will enable fans to travel to multiple cities.

A BCCI official stated, "We do not yet have the precise number, but we are actively working alongside the Ministry of External Affairs in conjunction with the ICC to ensure a specific quota of visas per match. We are hopeful that some Pakistani fans will have the opportunity to attend their team's matches. As far as I know, these visas will also allow for travel to multiple cities."

Both Pakistan and India have not engaged in bilateral cricket series in any format since the 2012-13 season. Pakistan's most recent tour to India included ODI and T20I series, with the two arch-rivals last playing a Test match against each other in 2007.