COC likely to allow multiple entry visa to fans: Pawar

Colombo:

ICC World Cup Central Organising Committee (COC) is contemplating issuing multiple entry visas to cricket fans, except from Pakistan, for watching matches in India during the quadrennial event next year.

"The COC discussed the possibility of visa variations for supporters entering India to watch ICC cricket World Cup 2011," COC chairman Sharad Pawar said in Colombo on Friday.

"At present only single entry visas are permitted for tourists to India but all supporters, except those from Pakistan, holding valid match tickets, is expected to be allowed multiple entry visas," he added.

Pawar expressed satisfaction at the preparation of the 2011 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"I am sure that the thousands of spectators from Sri Lanka and around the world will be extremely impressed by the new venue not just in Sri Lanka but also in India and Bangladesh. The reports we have received of the progress are extremely positive," Pawar said while unveiling plans to launch the logos and tickets for the 2011 World Cup.

ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said the World Cup 2011 is expected to cost over 100 million dollars and the online bookings would be made available for easy availability of tickets.

The organisers of the World Cup also assured that the tickets for the event will be reasonably priced to enable more people to watch the matches in the various grounds.

"These stadiums will produce a real legacy for cricket in South Asia and I am sure that our 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," said Pawar, who is also the ICC vice-president.

Sri Lanka will host 12 matches of the 2011 World Cup at three venues. The mega-event will have its opening ceremony at Dhaka on February 19, 2011 and will be concluded at Mumbai on April 2, 2011.

Pawar said Sri Lanka, like India and Bangladesh, are known for their warmth and hospitality and "I am sure that will make the 2011 World Cup an event to remember.

"I would like to personally thank Sri Lanka Cricket for the hospitality they have shown to the Central Organisation Committee (COC) at this meeting and the arrangements that they have put in place," he said.