England’s T20 World Cup preparations have received a boost with Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid now cleared to travel to India after securing their visas. The two players, both of Pakistani heritage, had been awaiting approval even as the rest of their England teammates had received travel clearance. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the situation came amid continued visa delays faced by players of Pakistani origin in recent years, with India-Pakistan diplomatic relations also described as a complicating factor in the process.
The matter drew wider attention when USA pacer Ali Khan revealed via Instagram that he had been denied a visa to India. His situation, while unrelated to the England duo, reignited discussion about the recurring challenges players of Pakistani origin face when traveling to India for ICC events.
Dozens of players still awaiting clearance
In total, 42 visa applications are being processed for players, coaches, and officials of Pakistani origin or nationality across several T20 World Cup squads. These include members from Canada, the Netherlands, UAE, England, Italy, Bangladesh, and the USA. Among them is Mushtaq Ahmed, a former Pakistan international currently serving on Bangladesh’s coaching staff.
While Rashid and Ahmed have now been cleared, many others are still waiting. ESPNcricinfo reports that visas have already been granted to personnel from Canada and the Netherlands, with appointments scheduled in the coming days for others from the UAE, Italy, Bangladesh, and the United States.
ICC steps in to manage global coordination
In response to mounting logistical complications, the ICC has taken a more hands-on role than in past tournaments. The governing body is working closely with Indian High Commissions and consulates worldwide to fast-track the remaining applications. Their target is to complete the visa process for all affected personnel by January 31, in time for the tournament’s official support period to begin.
The situation reflects the continuing strain in India-Pakistan diplomatic relations, which has repeatedly impacted sporting exchanges. Even during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistan’s men’s team experienced delays in securing their Indian visas, adding to the list of high-profile disruptions tied to political friction.
Rehan and Rashid likely to miss warm-ups in Sri Lanka
Although they are now cleared to join the squad, Rehan and Rashid may not be able to travel with the team for its preparatory matches in Sri Lanka. According to Sky Sports, the duo was initially unlikely to participate in the warm-up leg due to the delay in visa approval for India. That timeline may still affect their travel logistics in the lead-up to the tournament.
England, led by Harry Brook, begin their T20 World Cup campaign on February 8 against Nepal in Mumbai.
