Only 250 will be given visas to see the Mohali ODI

Limited visas for Pak cricket fans

CHANDIGARH: Only 250 Pakistani fans will be given visas for the cricket one-dayer in Mohali on November 8, though the Punjab Cricket Association wants at least 2,000.

The Centre’s decision is based on security grounds. There are fears that Pakistani ‘fans’ disappear in India after their visa term expires. For instance, 11 who came into India for matches in 2006 never returned. Three, allegedly agents of Pakistani intelligence outfits, were arrested. Two others were repatriated while the rest are untraced.

The Pakistanis will be given “police reporting visas” and must report to the local police about their arrival and place of stay.  The Punjab government has been directed not to allow any Pakistani to halt anywhere between the border at Wagah and Mohali, unlike last time when fans were allowed to move around.

Visitors will now be escorted from the border to Chandigarh and Mohali. Visas will be granted only to those with confirmed accommodation and valid tickets for the matches.