ODI World Cup 2023 is just 12 days away as India gears up to host the event. The Australian team is already in India playing the 3-match-ODI series. The rest of the team are also scheduled to make their way to India soon.
However, the Pakistan team is facing a huge roadblock. Babar Azam and his team are yet to get visas for the event. The selection committee of the Pakistan cricket team announced the 15-man squad on Friday.
This latest roadblock has caused jitters in the Pakistani cricket circles. September 29th is the day Pakistan is set to play their 1st warm-up game. With the clock ticking down, there is massive nervousness amongst the Pakistan fans.
Pakistan’s departure to India for ODI World Cup delayed –
Despite the 15-member-squad being announced on Friday, Pakistan is facing anxiety. The reason behind this is that Pakistani players are yet to get their Indian visas. Babar Azam and his team were in Dubai as they still waiting for the green light.
It is learned that the Pakistani cricket team has flown back home and landed in Lahore. As per ESPN CRICINFO reports, the entire Visa process should be completed by Wednesday. The Pakistani team then will fly from Lahore and land in Hyderabad. This though depends on when the 1992 champions get their visas.
India and Pakistan haven’t exactly shared a great relationship politically over the last dozen years. Asia Cup 2023 was originally going to be played in Pakistan. The Indian Cricket Board decided against touring Pakistan. After months of negotiation, a compromise formula was reached.
The Indian team played all its games in Sri Lanka, while Pakistan got to host a few games. Multan hosted the first game of the tournament before Lahore got the rest of the games. There were also reports of Pakistan threatening to pull out of the ODI World Cup during the Asia Cup impasse.
Pakistan announced its squad for the World Cup on Friday. There was one big change as Hasan Ali came back into the team. The 29-year-old came in for the injured Naseem Shah who is set to miss the World Cup.
Here’s how the fans reacted –
Pakistan are the only team yet to receive the Visas from the 9 teams traveling to India. Visa set to arrive on time for them before Wednesday. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/AK2z0pBPfr
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 23, 2023
Jab squad hi sabse late announce kiya to Visa KYa phle paa jayege
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) September 23, 2023
Sara visa cancel kar do inka
— Ishaaaaa…. (@_precious_bean_) September 23, 2023
Pakistan's pre-World Cup trip to Dubai cancelled due to visa delay.
— Sajan (@Hey_Sajan) September 23, 2023
Now what if they do not get the visa? pic.twitter.com/XXeh4lXSzP
— Chhichhaledar (@chhichhaledar) September 23, 2023
???? ?? ????? ?? ?? ?? 2024 ??? ?????? ?? ?? ??? ????? ? ? pic.twitter.com/XG8uJbBKIY
— Hun??? ? (@nickhunterr) September 23, 2023
?? must thank India ??
— Naina (@Nainajersey18) September 23, 2023
