PCB comes out to help fans get UAE visas

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking special measures to ensure Pakistan fans possessing Champions Trophy Pak-India February 23 match tickets to get the UAE visas, which has become a difficult proposition recently.

Well-informed sources told ‘The News’ that some of the fans who possess tickets for Pak-India matches have approached the PCB to help them out in getting timely UAE visas. “Yes, we will try to help them out as they are genuine visitors and have in possession the valid tickets for the match.

India-Pakistan match has always been one of the most interesting and the one that attracts millions around the world. We are trying to help these fans as well as others who have some kind of duties to perform during the Pak-India match.

It is a very important occasion and all those holding tickets or accreditation cards should be entertained and provided with the visa,” a PCB official, when contacted, said. The official hoped that the UAE government would seriously consider the request and accommodate all the genuine visitors so that they could watch or perform their duties.

Meanwhile, the PCB helped in issuing Pakistani visas to all seven Indian journalists who had applied to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy coverage. “We have helped all the seven Indian journalists get Pakistan visas. Though their team is playing in UAE, they applied for Pakistan visas and we have ensured that they get it in time. Hundred percent visas to Indian journalists have been issued now,” he said.

It is in sharp contrast to the measures taken by the Indian government during the 2023 World Cup where they provided just eight visas to almost 45 Pakistan journalists desirous and applied to cover Pakistan team matches in India. “We have ensured that all those Indian journalists wanting to cross over the border for the Champions Trophy should be accommodated.”