PAKISTAN has asserted that delay in the announcement of the schedule of next year’s Champions Trophy will not create travel hassles for fans who will be arriving to see the action at the first international tournament in the country in 28 years. In a welcome move, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday stated that Pakistan will consider relaxing its visa policies to facilitate travel for fans and officials during the Feb 19-March 9 tournament. With Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi also holding the post of interior minister, Mr Tarar said that the visa policy was being finalised. He also extended an invitation to Indian fans to visit the country even if India’s matches of the tournament will be played in Dubai. India’s insistence that it will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy had resulted in a long stand-off that was eventually resolved with the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India having reached an agreement — formalised by the International Cricket Council — that matches involving either side at ICC tournaments held in either country — till 2027 — would be played at a neutral venue.

The wait for a first clash between the two arch-rivals on Pakistani soil since 2008, therefore, goes on for local fans. Mr Tarar said that Indian fans will be “welcomed with open arms”, a remark pointed at India’s reluctance to grant visas to fans from Pakistan, despite their having tickets, at last year’s ODI World Cup in India. The hosting of the Champions Trophy offers Pakistan a chance to build up its sports tourism industry, offering fans an opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s vibrant culture whilst enjoying the cricket matches. Such opportunities have been few for Pakistan, which last played host to an international cricket tournament at the 1996 ODI World Cup. It is only appropriate that Pakistan make the most out of the tournament as it welcomes the cricketing world to its shores.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2024