Tag: world cup 2023

  • Pakistani Journalists furious over ‘Whatsapp’ solution by ICC for World Cup coverage

    Pakistani Journalists furious over ‘Whatsapp’ solution by ICC for World Cup coverage

    India has not granted a visa to any Pakistani journalist to cover the cricket World Cup 2023 yet and the International Cricket Council (ICC) has come up with a solution stating that questions can be asked via Whatsapp, provoking more anger.

    As a temporary solution while Pakistani journalists await clearance for World Cup coverage in India, the ICC has introduced a method for them to submit their questions to an ICC media manager via WhatsApp. These questions will then be presented to the Pakistani representative attending the media conferences.

    The ICC released a statement saying, “In addition to fielding questions from the present media, the Pakistani representative at the media conference will also respond to a selection of queries submitted by members of the Pakistani media who are still awaiting travel approval for the event.”

    Expressing their disappointment, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Recent reports indicate that no Pakistani journalist was present at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad when Pakistan kicked off their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands last week.

    The PCB conveyed their disappointment in a letter to the ICC, stating, “The PCB is dismayed by the uncertainty faced by Pakistani journalists and fans in obtaining Indian visas to cover Pakistan’s opening game in the ICC World Cup. Pakistani journalists and fans are expressing deep concern, putting us under immense pressure.”

    In response, an ICC spokesperson commented, “We recognize the vital role played by journalists and passionate fans in elevating the spirit and ambiance of sporting events.”

    “This is an obligation of our host and they are working hard on it with our full support. Every effort is being made to get this sorted,” an ICC spokesperson told The Current.

    Pakistan Cricket Board Management Committee Chairman Mr. Zaka Ashraf has called upon Pakistan Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi and raised serious concerns and alarm over the delay in fans and journalists visas for India to cover the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. 

    The chairman also requested the Foreign Secretary to take up the issue with India’s Home Ministry through the Pakistan High Commission Office in New Delhi. The PCB has also taken serious notice of security threats being reported in Indian media and requested the government to evaluate player’s security in India. He emphasised that the well-being and safety of the Pakistan squad were of paramount importance.

    PCB is extremely disappointed to see that journalists from Pakistan and fans are still facing uncertainty about obtaining an Indian visa to cover Pakistan games in ICC World Cup 2023. In the meantime, PCB has again reminded ICC and BCCI of their respective obligations and terms and conditions stipulated in the Host agreement to guarantee visas for fans and journalists of participating teams.

    Pakistani Journalists are upset over this entire situation.

    Abdul Ghaffar, a sporta Journalist wrote took to X (formerly Twitter),

    “ICC instead of asking Pakistan Journo to send questions via Whatsapp must make sure well in advance that Pakistan Media gets visa on time and travelled,” he wrote.

    Another sports journalist, Ubaid Awan, withdrew his ICC media accreditation for World Cup 2023 in protest.

  • World Cup 2023: India defeat Australia by 6 wickets

    World Cup 2023: India defeat Australia by 6 wickets

    India made a winning start in the fifth match of the World Cup by defeating Australia by 6 wickets.

    The Australian captain won the toss and elected to bat first against India.

    Australia batted slowly, losing wickets at regular intervals. The Kangaroos were all out for 199 runs in the last over. From the Kangaroos side, Steve Smith scored 46 and David Warner scored 41 runs.

    Read More: How much will the cricket team earn under new contract?

    In the second inning, India lost 3 early wickets for 2 runs. After that, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul took over, steering the team to a decent total.

    Virat Kohli scored 85 runs and KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 97 to lead the team to victory. Indian batsmen completed Australia’s target of 200 runs in the 42nd over.

  • World Cup 2023: Trophy reaches Lahore for three days

    World Cup 2023: Trophy reaches Lahore for three days

    ICC World Cup trophy has reached Pakistan before the start of the mega event. Earlier the trophy tour was scheduled for a five-day visit from July 31 to August 4. However, the visit got delayed due to the unconfirmed status of Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup.

    The trophy started its tour from India, the host of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. It has travelled to Australia, New Zealand, USA, Papua New Guinea, West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, Kuwait, France, Bahrain, and England.

    During this short yet important Pakistan leg of the tour, the trophy will make stops at cricket academies, educational institutes, and historical landmarks to provide fans a chance to witness the Trophy.

    The Trophy will be displayed on September 6 at the outdoor National Cricket Academy. Media personnel are allowed to capture thw historical moment, with display timings set as 40 minutes, starting at 10 am.

    The mega event will run from October 5 to November 19. A total of 10 teams will fight for the title at 10 different venues. All teams will play 45 matches against each other.

    The top 4 teams from the league stage will compete in the Semifinals where both winning teams will play Finals. The opening and final match of the ICC World Cup will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.