Pakistani YouTubers refuted visa denial rumors for the ICC World Cup 2023, asserting that they never submitted visa applications. Social media reports had circulated claiming that YouTubers Nadir Ali, Momin Saqib, Saadur Rehman, also known as “Ducky Bhai,” and a UAE-based Indian TikToker who poses as a Pakistani, “Love Khaani,” were denied visas for the major event.
https://twitter.com/i_mAfridi/status/1706695530506760510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1706695530506760510%7Ctwgr%5E0cc9f7dca1f11033771c85b89dc1baa0b02b4a9e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenews.com.pk%2Flatest%2F1114241-icc-world-cup-2023-pakistan-youtubers-say-they-did-not-apply-for-indian-visas
These speculations gained traction amid unforeseen delays in visa issuance for Pakistani players who had to adjust their schedules for the tournament and arrived in Hyderabad last night.
Addressing these allegations, Ducky Bhai clarified that there have been rumors suggesting that he applied for an Indian visa for the ICC World Cup 2023, but he refuted any such application or rejection.
There are some rumors circulating that I applied for an Indian visa for ICC World Cup 2023 and it got rejected. Please know this is completely FAKE news. I never applied for any visa related to this event. Always check the facts before believing and spreading any news. 🙏
— Ducky Bhai (@duckybhai) September 27, 2023
“I want to clarify that this is entirely false information. I never submitted any visa application for this event. Always verify the facts before accepting or sharing any news,” he stated on X, formerly Twitter.
Similarly, Momin Saqib dismissed these reports as “baseless” and encouraged everyone to refrain from depending on unreliable sources.
There's news circulating that my Indian visa got rejected. Just to clear the air, I haven't even applied yet!
— Momin Saqib (@mominsaqib) September 27, 2023
I'd also like to take this opportunity to emphasise on the importance of fact-checking & verifying news from authentic sources before spreading misinformation
Thank you
There are reports suggesting that my Indian visa was declined. Just to clarify, I haven’t even submitted an application yet! I’d also like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of fact-checking and verifying news from credible sources before spreading misinformation. Thank you.”
It’s worth noting that Pakistani fans and journalists are still awaiting their visas for the prestigious tournament.
The tournament features 48 matches spread across 46 days at 10 different venues, with the final scheduled for November 19.
Pakistan is set to participate in two warm-up matches, facing New Zealand on September 29 and Australia on October 3, both in Hyderabad.
Pakistan will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands, followed by a highly-anticipated showdown against arch-rivals India at the Ahmedabad Stadium, which boasts a seating capacity of over 130,000, on October 14.
India will begin their campaign against Australia on October 8, followed by the eagerly awaited clash against Pakistan.