ICC T20 World Cup – BCCI on PCB’s VISAS Concern: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) believes Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) concerns regarding guarantee for issuance of visa to the Pakistani players and officials were were not entirely misplaced but a bit “panicky.” On Thursday, the BCCI had assured the ICC that it will be able to gurantee visas for T20 World Cup in October-November after PCB had sought a written assurance for Visas for its players, officials journalists and fans. BCCI informed the ICC board, in its quarterly meeting, that the issue is expected to be resolved over the next month.
“I wont say their concerns were completely misplaced but I must tell them that India has always issued visa in time for every cricketer from all countries in ICC events & multi nation tournaments. Since its an ICC World Cup T20, which involves every country, why should there be a problem for any particular country? Has that country not played cricket here before? Didnt we give them visa well in time in 2016 World T20? I wont say their concerns are completely misplaced but its a bit panicky,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told Insidesport.co on Saturday.
Another important BCCI official further elaborated BCCI’s stance as far as issuance of Visas to officials, journalists and fans were concerned.
“I am sure due process will be followed just like every other country. These days everyone has to go through stringent rules and regulations. Random visas cannot be issued as far as fans are concerned. The procedure of issuance of Visa to cricketers, officials journalists and fans will be decided at the MHA’s level. Its completely upto the government to decide whom they want to issue. But as far as Pakistani players & officials are concerned, BCCI is already having high level talks with government on this.”
On Thursday, the BCCI had assured the ICC that it will be able to gurantee visas for T20 World Cup in October-November after PCB had sought a written assurance for Visas for its players, officials journalists and fans. BCCI informed the ICC board, in its quarterly meeting, that the issue is expected to be resolved over the next month.
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