ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah discussed enhancing cricket relations between their two countries on Wednesday, with the latter extending a “warm welcome” to the former, the PCB said in a statement.
The development takes place a day before Ashraf is scheduled to travel to India on Thursday at the BCCI’s invitation, ahead of Pakistan’s World Cup match against Rohit Sharma’s side in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Ashraf said he was traveling to India to “motivate” the Pakistan cricket team, urging Babar Azam’s side to play “fearless cricket” against their arch-rivals on Oct. 14.
Shah and Ashraf spoke over the phone today, Wednesday, where the former expressed his delight to have the latter in India for the big-ticket clash, the PCB said.
“We both discussed how the forthcoming match is an opportunity to explore ways in which we can further enhance and promote the cricketing relations between our countries,” the PCB quoted Ashraf as saying.
Shah offered to facilitate Ashraf by arranging his meetings with other high-ranking officials during his visit to India, the PCB said, adding that the BCCI secretary extended a “warm welcome” to him.
Ashraf said he found it essential to show the Pakistan cricket team his “unwavering support” during the World Cup.
“The players have put in immense hard work and dedication to reach this point, and I am confident that they will give their best to make us proud,” he said.
Cricket has been a victim of a soured political relationship between the neighbors and bitter rivals, who play each other only in multi-team events like the World Cup.
In recent weeks, the PCB has repeatedly expressed its disappointment over a delay in visa clearance for Pakistani fans and media. On Wednesday, the PCB said Ashraf’s decision to travel to India came after it was confirmed that Pakistani journalists had been asked by Indian authorities to submit their passports for visas to cover the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
Around 60 Pakistani journalists are expected to make the trip for the World Cup.
Pakistan had plenty of local support for their World Cup fixtures against Netherlands on Friday and Sri Lanka on Tuesday but no member of their media contingent or fans were present.
Pakistan and India are both in good form before the World Cup, with the two sides winning their first two fixtures of the tournament. India beat Australia and Afghanistan while Pakistan vanquished the Netherlands and Sri Lanka during their World Cup encounters.
PCB chief, BCCI secretary discuss enhancing Indo-Pak cricket ties
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PCB chief, BCCI secretary discuss enhancing Indo-Pak cricket ties
- PCB chief Zaka Ashraf speaks to BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah over the phone
- Ashraf will travel to India on Thursday ahead of Pakistan’s World Cup clash against India
Pakistan orders screening of travelers at entry points amid Nipah virus threat
- Outbreak of Nipah virus in India has forced Asian countries such as Indonesia and Thailand to screen passengers
- Pakistan says screening applicable at all entry points including airports, seaports and ground or land border crossings
ISLAMABAD: The Border Health Services-Pakistan (BHS-P) on Wednesday issued an advisory ordering the screening of all passengers at the country’s entry points to curb the cross-border spread of Nipah virus.
An outbreak of the Nipah virus in India’s West Bengal state has sparked concern in Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, who have started screening passengers. Two cases have been confirmed in India’s West Bengal since December, reportedly in health care workers.
Nipah, a zoonotic virus first identified during a 1990s outbreak in Malaysia, spreads through fruit bats, pigs and human-to-human contact. There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause raging fevers, convulsions and vomiting. The only treatment is supportive care to control complications and keep patients comfortable.
The BHS-P, a department of the Ministry of National Health Services, issued an advisory on Wednesday saying that the outbreak of the virus in India had made it imperative to strengthen preventive and surveillance measures at borders.
“All In-Charges at Points of Entry shall ensure 100 percent screening of all arriving passengers, transit passengers, crew members, drivers, helpers, and support staff,” a copy of the advisory seen by Arab News read.
“No individual shall be allowed entry into Pakistan without health clearance by Border Health Services – Pakistan.”
It said these measures will be applicable at all points of entry, including international airports, seaports and ground or land border crossings.
The BHS-P said mandatory verification of every traveler’s country of origin and complete travel and transit history for the preceding 21 days will be carried out, irrespective of their nationality or travel status.
“Screening staff shall remain alert for early signs and symptoms of Nipah virus infection, including fever, headache, respiratory symptoms, and neurological signs such as confusion, drowsiness, or altered consciousness,” the advisory said.
It added that individuals “consistent with suspected Nipah Virus case definition” will be immediately isolated at the entry point, restricted from onward movement and managed strictly in accordance with the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols.
“Such suspected cases shall be promptly referred to the designated isolation facility or tertiary care hospital in coordination with provincial and district health authorities,” it said.
