Hyderabad, Sep 30 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday wrote to the sport's governing body ICC for expediting the visa process for journalists and fans who wish to travel to India for the World Cup beginning October 5.

Pakistan, who are based here in the run-up to the mega event, play their tournament opener against the Netherlands on October 6.

Also Read | Asian Games 2023 Indian Medal Winners List: Check Updated Names of Team India Athletes Who Have Won Medals at 19th Asiad in Hangzhou.

The PCB, which had written to the ICC over the visa delay for the players earlier this month, highlighted its concerns over visas for Pakistan fans and media on this occasion.

In an email, the PCB sought prompt action from the ICC on the visa process for fans and media. While it is tough to put a number to the fans applying for Indian visa, around 50 journalists are expected to travel for the World Cup.

Also Read | Asian Games 2023 Medal Tally Latest Updated: India Occupy 4th Position With 10 Gold Medals, People’s Republic of China Lead Asiad Medal Table So Far.

Sources in BCCI, which is the tournament host, said the External Affairs Ministry is vetting the names of journalists who want to cover the 50-over event. The applications will need clearance from external affairs, home and sports ministries as Pakistan is on India's prior reference list (PRC).

"The visa applications for Pakistan media are being facilitated," said a BCCI source.

A PCB source added: "It is alarming that the media and fans are yet to be informed about the visa policy, as Pakistan have already played their first of the two warm-ups and will play their first World Cup contest in six days.

"The PCB expects that the ICC and other relevant authorities will expedite the matter as there is a growing anxiety among Pakistan fans and journalists who wish to support and cover their team in the ICC CWC 2023," the source added referring to the email sent to ICC.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)