After a delayed visa process, the match will proceed without spectators, with the Pakistani team facing a difficult time before the World Cup
The ever-escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan have begun to affect their competitive and famous sports rivalry, especially in cricket. Initially, Pakistan had to put in a lot of effort to obtain visas. Consequently, they received their visas just two days before their scheduled departure to India. Now, according to reports, their warm-up match against New Zealand is to be played behind closed doors due to security concerns for the team.
The scheduled match between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, the capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana. However, in a statement released on Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited the advice of local security agencies in deciding to play the match without spectators. The BCCI mentioned that the match coincides with local festivals, and large gatherings are expected in the city.
Tickets for this match, along with nine other warm-up fixtures, went on sale last month. Fans who had purchased tickets have been informed that they will receive full refunds.
This announcement by the BCCI comes shortly after the Pakistan contingent for the World Cup received their visas less than two days before their scheduled departure to India. The delay in visa issuance disrupted the team’s preparations and brought to the forefront the longstanding tensions between the two nations.
On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to express concerns about what they perceive as “unequal treatment” towards Pakistan. A PCB spokesperson expressed disappointment over the uncertainty faced by the Pakistan team ahead of the tournament.
Last month, the high-profile group stage match between India and Pakistan in Ahmedabad had to be rescheduled to October 14 due to concerns raised by local police regarding security arrangements. Cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan have also encountered delays in obtaining visas for India and have been subject to restrictions on their movement should they choose to travel across the border to attend matches.
Khursheed Ali, a Pakistan supporter, expressed the frustrations of many, saying, “Our travel agent has told us we will not be allowed to go anywhere except the stadium and our hotel once we reach Ahmedabad. Who would want to travel under such restrictions? We want to go and explore our neighbouring country but simply can’t.”
Pakistan and India, bitter rivals since gaining independence from British rule in 1947, have a history marked by three wars and stringent limitations on the cross-border movement of their citizens. Additionally, direct flights between the two countries have been suspended for over four years, stemming from strained relations following India’s decision to revoke the semi-autonomous status of Indian-administered Kashmir.