Ahmedabad, India is buzzing with excitement as cricket fans flock to the city for the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan match in the ICC Cricket World Cup. However, there is a notable absence of Pakistani fans and media due to restrictions imposed by the Indian cricket board. While thousands of Indian supporters will be in attendance, the number of Pakistani supporters will be close to none. The Indian cricket board has neglected its responsibility to provide access to media and fans from all participating teams, disregarding its obligations to the International Cricket Council.
Pakistanis living abroad have also faced difficulties in obtaining visas, despite holding passports of their adopted countries. The chances of securing a visa are slim for those born in Pakistan or with ancestral ties to the country. The process has been further complicated by the Indian cricket board’s delayed announcement of the tournament schedule and last-minute changes.
Many Pakistanis like Haider Israr, a British citizen, express their disappointment at not being able to attend and support their team. They have fond memories of previous tournaments and had hoped to experience the same excitement again. However, the visa situation has deterred them from even applying, as media reports suggest a challenging process.
The absence of Pakistani journalists is also evident, with only a handful managing to make it to Ahmedabad in time for the game. The Indian government and cricket board could have made arrangements to accommodate their visiting neighbors, but they have remained silent on the matter. The International Cricket Council, despite being in a subordinate position to the Indian board, has not made any significant statements either.
In previous events, special provisions were made for fans to travel between India and Pakistan. However, this time, only one Pakistani fan, known as “Chicago Chacha,” has been present. The heavy security presence in Ahmedabad, with thousands of police officers on duty, contributes to a somewhat somber atmosphere.
The absence of Pakistanis has not been a widely discussed topic among the locals, and many seem unconcerned by it. Some attribute the lack of visas to valid reasons, while others believe that media reports exaggerate the situation. Despite the outside interest in the match, the city’s residents appear to be focused on their daily lives and expect empty roads on match day.
Tickets for the match have been scarce and released in sporadic batches. Some fortunate individuals have managed to obtain tickets through their connections. However, with the limited presence of Pakistani fans, the atmosphere may not be the same as previous tournaments.