Pakistan-based Canadian cricketers wait for Indian visa

New Delhi, Jan 18 (PTI) The Canada Cricket Board (CCB)today said the Indian High Commission is sitting on the visaapplications of its four Pakistan-origin cricketers and it hasaffected their World Cup preparations.

CCB President Ranjit Saini said the application is lyingwith the Indian authorities for the last four months and dueto non-clearance, these four cricketers could not go to Indiain November for a preparatory tour ahead of World Cup.

Saini said the other team members were issued visas butno decision has been taken yet on the applications of batsmanRizwan Cheema, all-rounder Umar Bhatti, paceman KhurranChauhan and stumper Hamza Tareek.

"We are still awaiting a response on those applications.

It has affected our World Cup preparations. We have contactedthe authorities several times and ICC officials are alsotrying to sort it out," Saini told PTI-Bhasha through e-mail.

Saini said it is a great opportunities for the players togo and play World Cup in the sub-continent.

"It''s a golden chance for them. Everyone is trying tosort it out and hopefully soon we''ll have some good news," hesaid.