Oct 24, 2006, 16:45 GMT
Amritsar, Oct 24 (IANS) Twenty-seven Pakistani fans, most of them VIPs and cricket officials, entered India through the Wagah border check post Tuesday to watch the two matches to be played by Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy at Mohali.
Pakistan face New Zealand at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium Wednesday and play against South Africa Oct 27.
Among those who entered India Tuesday was Javed Elahi, brother of Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi.
Javed Elahi told reporters here that many fans would not be able to come to India this time due to Eid celebrations there.
Other fans arriving here said that visas were hard to get from the Indian embassy in Islamabad.
In Mohali, PCA president I.S. Bindra said that even though 1,000 tickets had been sent to Lahore, the total number of Pakistani fans to arrive here was not likely to be more than 300.
'250 visas were issued till Monday. Offices are closed in Pakistan for the next three days due to Eid. Many fans are not coming due to Eid festivities in Pakistan,' Bindra said.
The Indian government had allowed 1,000 visas to be issued to Pakistani fans for the two matches. The fans were to be brought to Mohali under tight security with severe restrictions on their movement.
© 2006 Indo-Asian News Service
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