The Modi regime, keen to promote cricket diplomacy with Islamabad, has eased some of the visa conditions for Pakistani fans arriving in the country to watch ICC T-20 World Cup games. Visitors from the neighbouring country now no longer need to attach a copy of their return air ticket; besides, Pakistani citizens above 65 years and below 15 years of age will be exempt from police reporting.
A senior home ministry official said India expects to issue around 1,000 visas to Pakistanis for the upcoming tournament, with the highest turnout expected for Indo-Pakistan matches. "Though we are more or less following the 2012 norms for issuing visas to Pakistani spectators, we have decided not to insist on proof of return journey after some visitors complained of inconvenience on this count. The incoming flight ticket and match ticket issued in the applicant's name as well as proof of hotel reservation, will suffice," said a senior officer.
Also, the officer added, Pakistani fans above 65 years or below 15 years will be saved the trouble of going through police reporting upon arrival at the venue of the match. "The visa duration will not only cover the match/matches for which the visa is sought but also the time for in-bound and return journey," he said.
Stating that unlike in 2012, when visas were last issued to Pakistani cricket fans, India will not limit them to 250 per match. "There is no hard and fast rule...visas will be issued even if more than 250 fans apply," said an officer.
With the Mohali Indo-Pakistan match now shifted to Kolkata, the fans who have already applied for and been issued visas will now be allowed to change their port of arrival from Amritsar/New Delhi to Kolkata. "They can approach our missions in Pakistan for the same," said a home ministry functionary.
Incidentally, even as it facilitates "genuine" and "bona fide" Pakistani cricket buffs, the government is taking all precautions to monitor "terror" elements who try to enter the country under the pretext of watching the games. All Pakistani visitors will be required to give their biometrics both while entering and exiting India. Besides, they would be required to do police reporting soon after they arrive at the venue of the match.
"We will monitor the arrivals and departures. Our system will detect those who overstay the duration of their visas," said a senior officer.
