KARACHI: Pakistani fans who are hoping to go to India for the upcoming series between the two arch-rivals will need local sponsors to get the visa to cross over to the border.

“There will be no relaxation of visa rules for the cricket fans. We cannot compromise our security as it is our prime concern. So, whoever seeks a visa, has to name a local sponsor,” a Home Ministry official was quoted as saying by PTI.

There is no set number of visas which will be issued to Pakistanis for the series but all applicants must show proof that they are going to watch the series which will be played between December 25 and January 6 and whoever is eligible will be issued a visa.

The rivals have not played a series since Pakistan’s tour of India in 2007, after cricket ties were snapped following the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Twelve Pakistanis disappeared in India during the series in 2007 and the reason behind their disappearance still has to be determined.