Visa Hurdles Threaten Pakistan’s ODI World Cup Dreams in India
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan’s cricket team is facing a significant hurdle. The team, led by captain Babar Azam, has been unable to secure Indian visas, casting doubt on their pre-tournament plans.
Originally, Pakistan’s squad was scheduled to depart for the UAE next week, where they would have engaged in crucial team-bonding activities before heading to Hyderabad for their first warm-up match against New Zealand on September 29. However, due to the visa delays, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had to make the tough decision to cancel this important pre-tournament trip to Dubai.
The situation took another hit when it was announced that Pakistan’s inaugural warm-up match against New Zealand in Hyderabad would be held behind closed doors. This decision stemmed from concerns about the ability to ensure adequate security measures, especially with two major religious festivals coinciding in the city on the same day.
It’s worth noting that among the nine teams participating in the ODI World Cup in India, Pakistan is the only team still awaiting visa clearance. This has led to growing concerns within the cricketing community.
Earlier this year, the PCB had proposed the idea of moving Pakistan’s World Cup matches out of India, possibly to Bangladesh, due to the uncertainties surrounding the team’s travel to India. However, this proposal was not accepted and was ultimately dismissed in August when the Pakistani government gave the green light for the team’s travel to India.
On the other side of the coin, India has enjoyed a significant boost in their ODI ranking. They recently secured a remarkable 5-wicket victory against Australia, propelling them to the coveted position of the world’s number one ODI team. India now holds the top spot with an impressive rating of 116 and a total of 4,864 points. This achievement is expected to bolster the confidence of the Indian team as they gear up for the ODI World Cup, especially considering their dominant performance against Australia in the inaugural ODI match at the Mohali Cricket Stadium.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s preparations for the ODI World Cup are currently marred by visa delays and uncertainties. While there is hope that the visas will be granted in time, the situation remains a cause for concern. Meanwhile, India’s rise to the number one ODI team adds an intriguing subplot to the upcoming tournament, setting the stage for an exciting competition on the world stage.