In a long-awaited development, Pakistani journalists received visas to cover the India-Pakistan cricket match in Ahmedabad on October 14 however, no social media influencers or YouTubers were granted visas.

Several journalists from Karachi have received confirmation from the visa agency.

Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, is also set to fly to India to witness the much-awaited Pakistan-India match at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

This decision was made after receiving confirmation about the issuance of visas for Pakistani journalists who will be covering the mega event in India.

Zaka Ashraf stated, “I have postponed my travel to India, and I am traveling tomorrow after receiving confirmation that Pakistan’s journalists have been asked to submit their passports to obtain visas to cover the mega event.”

Sports journalists in Pakistan had urged Pakistani media to boycott the World Cup amid reports that the International Cricket Council would give them an opportunity to ask questions through WhatsApp, instead of expediting the visa issuance process for Pakistani journalists.

Earlier, the ICC had given Pakistan a quota of 50 journalists but there were 206 applicants from the country.

Last week, an ICC spokesperson told Reuters that India was working hard on the matter with the council’s support.

Meanwhile, the PCB has repeatedly expressed displeasure over the uncertainty surrounding the visas.