Visas issued to Indian journalists for Champions Trophy

LAHORE: Indian journalists have been issued visas for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy, sources revealed on Monday.

Seven Indian journalists were issued visas for the Champions Trophy, which kicks off this Wednesday, February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the tournament opener. Sources added that no Indian journalists visa has been rejected.

This is a stark contrast to how Pakistani journalists were treated for the ICC ODI World Cup in 2023. Visas for both Pakistani journalists and fans did not begin to be reviewed until nearly a week into the tournament. Media later stated that while over 200 journalists sought accreditation to cover the matches, by October 13 only 45 were allowed. Both the ICC and the Board for Cricket Control in India had promised that visas would be facilitated, as is their obligation.

Also read: PIA to provide special arrangements for Champions Trophy

Earlier, a spokesperson for the PIA confirmed that will provide nine special charter flights for travel between Gaddafi Stadium, National Stadium Karachi, and Rawalpindi Stadium. Multiple teams have already made their way to Pakistan, including Australia and Afghanistan, as well as South Africa and New Zealand who were already in Pakistan for the tri-nation series.

Revitalising Cricket

The opening ceremony for the tournament took place earlier this week on Sunday. With the tournament just days away now, three former captains of the Pakistani team were interviewed including Inzamam ul Haq, Misbah ul Haq, and Aamer Sohail. They expressed that this tournament has the ability to revitalise international cricket in Pakistan. The Champions Trophy is the first major global tournament hosted by Pakistan in nearly 30 years.

Also read: Inzamam, Misbah, and Sohail say CT will rekindle love for Cricket