Pak fans’ absence weakens bipartisan support

Resumption of the much-hyped bilateral series for the shorter version of the game brought an upbeat Pakistan team to India after a gap of five years, but many fans from across the border could not get tickets for this match in time to secure visas and make travel arrangements. ‘Though we were told initially that about 500 visas were earmarked for the Bangalore match, tickets for our fans did not come in time to apply for visas and travel all the way to south India. The Indian High Commission insisted on producing tickets and hotel reservations for granting visas. As it takes at least seven working days for completing the formalities, many fans kept away,’ a Pakistan official accompanying the team said.

Barring the 16-member Pakistan squad and a dozen officials, absence of Pakistani fans in the stadium was conspicuous though Karnataka State Cricket Association allotted a separate stand in the pavilion for a ring side view of the match.