CWC 2023: PCB lodges protest with ICC over visa delays, files complaint over inappropriate conduct in IND v PAK match
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a protest with the ICC over a lack of visas issued for Pakistani journalists and fans hoping to attend the 2023 World Cup.
The organisation has also filed a complaint alleging inappropriate conduct directed towards Pakistan’s players during their defeat to India on Saturday, October 14.
The World Cup has been beset by logistical issues, with delays preventing any Pakistani journalists from being in situ for the start of the competition, and fans also struggling to travel. After Pakistan’s defeat to India, head coach Mickey Arthur complained that the World Cup “seemed like a BCCI event” due to a lack of Pakistan support.
During that game, videos also circulated of Pakistan players being subjected to religion-centric chants and boos.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged another formal protest with the ICC over delays in visas for Pakistani journalists and the absence of a visa policy for Pakistan fans for the ongoing World Cup 2023,” read a statement. “The PCB has also filed a complaint regarding inappropriate conduct targeted at the Pakistan squad during the India vs Pakistan match held on 14 October 2023.”
The PCB’s latest statement follows similar missives from earlier in the competition.
"It didn't seem like an ICC event tonight." 🗣️
Read more: https://t.co/nHuE5QAZDb#INDvPAK #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/whViG3UIvA
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) October 15, 2023
“The PCB is extremely disappointed to see that journalists from Pakistan and fans are still facing uncertainty about obtaining an Indian visa to cover Pakistan games in ICC World Cup 2023,” a an earlier statement from the board said. “In the meantime, PCB has again reminded ICC and BCCI of their respective obligations.”
Pakistan are currently fourth in the Cricket World Cup standings with two wins in three games. That defeat to India remains their only loss, beaten by seven wickets following a dramatic collapse. Pakistan have recently topped the ODI team rankings, and are currently second in that table.
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