Organising committee planning multiple entry visa for cricket World Cup

COLOMBO - The Central Organising Committee (COC) of the 2011 Cricket World Cup is planning to have multiple entry visas for supporters with valid tickets travelling to India for the tournament.

The COC that met here Friday under the chairmanship of Sharad Pawar, who is also the vice-president of International Cricket Council (ICC), discussed the possibility of visa variations for supporters entering India for the World Cup.

At present, only single entry visas are permitted for tourists to India but the COC is working with the Indian government to make multiple entry visas available for all supporters - except those from Pakistan - holding valid match tickets.

Pawar, who is also the president-elect of ICC, was also happy praising the progress of ongoing work being carried out on the grounds at Colombo, Pallekelle and Hambantota in Sri Lanka.

Pawar said that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was on course to deliver a series of world-class venues, including the three in Sri Lanka which co-hosts the event with India and Bangladesh.

I am sure that the thousands of spectators from Sri Lanka and around the world, will be extremely impressed by the new venues not just here in Sri Lanka but also in India and Bangladesh. The reports we have received of the progress are extremely positive

These stadia will produce a real legacy for cricket in South Asia and I am sure that cricket lovers who travel to the three co-hosts will be impressed by the quality of the venues as well as the affordable and accessible tickets,” he said.

Sri Lanka will host 12 matches at three venues in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 which opens in Dhaka Feb 19 and the final will be held in Mumbai, April 2.