Date:03/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120356561900.htm

Sport - Cricket

WC organisers to discuss common visa

Karachi: The Joint Organising Committee for the 2011 World Cup will meet in Bangalore during the third Test between India and Pakistan to reach a consensus on having a common visa during the tournament to be held in the sub-continent.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official confirmed that the meeting will be held from December 9 to 11 in which a common visa for the duration of the World Cup to be held in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh would be discussed.

Viability

“Obviously this is something that can only be allowed by the concerned governments. But at the meeting we will discuss the viability of a common one visa for all four countries as this is one of the things mentioned in the compliance document we have signed with the ICC,” he said.

“Having one visa for all four countries would make it more feasible and convenient for visitors, teams, media and officials and the television crews,” he added.

India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly hosted the 1996 World Cup but there was no common visa at that time.

This is the first time that the four South Asian neighbours are hosting the World Cup together. — PTI