Pakistan issues visas to all Indian journalists for covering ICC Champions Trophy
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has granted visas to all Indian journalists who are traveling to Pakistan to cover the ICC Champions Trophy, according to sources.
In 2023, the Indian authorities refused visas to a significant number of Pakistani journalists for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup held in India, which led the Pakistan Cricket Board to raise concerns with the International Cricket Council and express their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.ICC increases prize money for champions trophy by 53 percent
The tournament is set to begin on February 19 in Karachi, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. One of the most eagerly awaited games, featuring Pakistan and India, will take place on February 23 in Dubai.
This major event will span 19 days, with thrilling cricket matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. The final is planned for March 9, with the victorious team receiving $2.24 million, while the runner-up will earn $1.12 million.
The total prize pool has experienced a remarkable 53% increase compared to the 2017 edition, reaching $6.9 million.
Visas have been issued to all reporters “who applied to the Pakistani High Commission for permission to travel to Pakistan.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board “played a constructive role” in ensuring the approval of visas for Indian journalists, the sources added.
The Champions Trophy will be the first major tournament held in Pakistan since 1996 and will feature the host nation alongside teams from New Zealand, England, Australia, Afghanistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, and India.
