Pakistan Issues Visas to Indian Journalists for ICC Champions Trophy Coverage
Seven Indian journalists were issued visas
Pakistan has issued visas to all Indian journalists who applied for accreditation to cover the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19 in Karachi.
This move is a significant gesture of cooperation, especially considering the recent past when Pakistani journalists faced visa issues during major cricket events in India.
Seven Indian journalists were issued visas for the Champions Trophy, sources revealed on Monday.
The ICC Champions Trophy marks a major international cricket event returning after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan hosting it for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup.
The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups, with India and Pakistan being part of Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand.
However, due to security concerns and political tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s matches will be played in Dubai under a hybrid model agreed upon by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Despite this arrangement, Pakistan has ensured that Indian journalists can report on the event from within Pakistan.
Additionally, there was controversy surrounding the absence of the Indian flag at Karachi’s National Stadium ahead of the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified that flags were only raised for teams playing at specific venues in Pakistan.
Since India is not playing its matches in Pakistan but rather in Dubai, their flag was not displayed at Pakistani stadiums hosting other teams’ matches.
