Having an Indian sponsor was not mandatory for those
Having an Indian sponsor was not mandatory for those who came five years ago.
Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley during his interrogation had said that many Lashker-e-Taiba activists had carried out recce of vital installations in Delhi, including the National Defence College after having secured visas for the Indo-Pak cricket matches in 2007.
In its last bilateral cricket series, Pakistan played against India three test matches -- in Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore -- and five ODIs -- Guwahati, Mohali, Kanpur, Guwalior and Jaipur in 2007.
Home Ministry officials said any Pakistani cricket lover intending to watch more than one match in India would be welcome to do so provided he or she fulfils the visa obligations.
Currently, a Pakistani citizen can get visa for three cities.
However, if the new India-Pakistan visa regime comes into effect before the cricket series begins, visa for five cities can be given.
The new visa agreement, signed by then Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Interior Minister Rehman
Malik in Islamabad on September 8, eases curbs on issuing visas to traders, elderly people, tourists, pilgrims, members of civil society and children.
The Home Ministry will soon discuss with governments of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat and the Delhi Police on various security related issues in the venues and how to ensure fool-proof security during the matches.
A number of high-level Pakistani dignitaries are expected to come to India to watch some matches.
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