Pakistan’s pre-World Cup run uncertain due to visa delay
In a plot twist that could rival the most thrilling cricket matches, Pakistan’s pre-World Cup team-bonding trip to Dubai has been stumped by a delay in visa processing. The Pakistan cricket squad had initially scheduled to take flight to the UAE early next week, primed for a brief sojourn before continuing their journey to Hyderabad, India. All this is in preparation for their inaugural warm-up clash against New Zealand on September 29. However, the cricketing narrative has taken an unexpected twist, with the visa conundrum forcing a change in the plan.
In the midst of this unfolding drama, the plot thickens as Pakistan now prepare to depart from Lahore, aiming to take wing to Dubai on an early Wednesday morning. From there, they will embark on their journey to Hyderabad, fingers crossed for a timely arrival of the elusive visas. While one cricket official may have described the situation as “alarming,” there seems to be a prevailing sense of optimism that the visas will eventually materialise, allowing Pakistan to partake in the cricketing spectacle that is the World Cup. It’s worth noting that the visa applications were set in motion over a week ago, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
ESPNcricinfo’s report has brought to light a peculiar predicament, Pakistan stand as the sole cricketing entity among the teams bound for India for the World Cup, still locked in a visa waiting game. This delay casts a harsh spotlight on the intricate and tension-laden political backdrop against which the team is venturing into Indian territory.
The cricket which suffered due to high political tensions between the Nations
The border crossings between these neighbouring nations have become a rare spectacle. Bilateral series between the two have been scarce, with the last one occurring during Pakistan’s visit to India for a white-ball showdown back in 2012-13. Even that encounter was an exception, occurring amidst the backdrop of strained relations following the tragic events of the Mumbai attacks in November 2008. Pakistan’s journey to India since then has been limited, with their last visit taking place during the T20 World Cup in March 2016.
Furthermore, the labyrinthine complexities of politics have even affected cricket’s playing field, as witnessed during the recent Asia Cup. Despite being the official hosts, Pakistan were only able to stage four matches on home soil, as India’s team was denied clearance to travel across the border. The majority of the tournament took place in Sri Lanka, an innovative solution born from the visionary mind of former PCB chief Najam Sethi.
