Indian journalists slam govt for not giving visas to Pakistani correspondents

Senior Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai expressed disappointment on his government’s continuous delay in issuing visas for Pakistani journalists, stating that if Pakistan is playing the World Cup in India, visas cannot be denied to journalists.

Morning musing: disappointing to hear that Pakistani cricket journalists haven’t been given visas so far. Why should journalists be caught in political tangles? Once Pakistan has qualified to play the World Cup and is being hosted in India, then you can’t deny visas to their…

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 10, 2023

Rajdeep Sardesai asked why should journalists be politically demotivated. “We should adopt the attitude of good hosts,” he remarked, saying that he will expect the same from Islamabad in the future.

Read More: World Cup 2023: Pakistani cricket presenter Zainab Abbas sent back from India due to safety concerns

It should be noted that the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Zaka Ashraf, contacted Foreign Secretary Cyrus Sajjad Qazi in regards to the issuance of Indian visas to Pakistanis for the cricket World Cup.

Here are some more reactions of Twitter users:

1/2 exactly , if india is hosting the world cup..then it should host it in full vigour…..or don't host….if we are concerned about safety issues then dont give visas to common citizens..atleast visas to journalists and there popular celebrities and ex crickters,youtubers..

— Thomas Shelby🇮🇪🇮🇳 (@S24882826Shelby) October 10, 2023

It's disheartening to hear that Pakistani sports journalists won't be present at the inaugural WorldCup match due to visa issues. Sports should unite people, and access for journalists is crucial for fair coverage. Let's hope for improved cooperation and inclusivity in the future

— Asim Mehmood (@AsimOpenions) October 5, 2023

Indian journalists know this is an unorganised and mismanaged tournament, but they can't reveal it as jay shah is amit shahs son, and they are afraid of him. If Pakistani journalists are allowed there, they will expose bcci, so visas will be issues only after the event is over or…

— The Second Act (@WahSaeenWah) October 7, 2023

Couldn't agree more! It's disappointing to hear about the visa issues for Pakistani cricket journalists. Journalists should be free from political tangles when it comes to covering sports events like the World Cup. Reciprocity and fairness are key in being good hosts.

— Richard Mrong Marak (@richardmarak) October 10, 2023

World Cup schedule changes,ground conditions,visa issues and now treatment of journalists….India ki aukat nahi World Cup host karna

— Hasan Talpur (@HasanTalpur) October 9, 2023