Visa Delays Impact England's T20 World Cup Preparations
England's cricket team is facing complications in their T20 World Cup preparations due to delays in visa processing for players Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed. With crucial matches against Sri Lanka approaching, the uncertainty surrounding their travel raises concerns about their availability. The England and Wales Cricket Board is working to resolve the issue, but the timeline for visa approvals remains unclear. As both players are currently engaged in leagues abroad, their participation in the upcoming series is in jeopardy. Read on to find out more about the situation and its implications for England's campaign.
Jan 15, 2026, 15:19 IST
Visa Issues for England's Players Ahead of T20 World Cup
England's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup have hit a snag due to delays in visa issuance by the Indian government for players Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, both of Pakistani descent. As a result of these delays, the likelihood of both players joining the rest of the team for their trip to Sri Lanka this weekend is diminishing. England is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20 internationals against Sri Lanka from January 22 to February 3, prior to the T20 World Cup.
It is noteworthy that both Rashid and Ahmed are integral members of the ODI and T20 teams, and it remains uncertain whether they will arrive in Sri Lanka in time for the ODI series. According to a report from a leading news outlet, the delay in visa processing is not unexpected for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as players of Pakistani origin have faced similar issues in the past. A few years ago, Shoaib Bashir had to miss the first Test match against India due to visa complications that required him to return to London to complete the application process, while Saqib Mahmood has also encountered problems previously.
However, the report further indicates that the ECB has received assurances from the Indian government that there are no objections to the visa applications of both players, although the timeline for their processing remains uncertain. To expedite the process, the ECB has sought assistance from the UK government.
Currently, Rashid is participating in the SA20 league in South Africa, while Rehan Ahmed is in Australia playing in the Big Bash League (BBL). England hopes that depending on the timing of the visa approvals, both players will be able to fly directly to Sri Lanka or India. The ECB is optimistic that both players will secure their visas before the T20 World Cup, although their participation in the matches in Sri Lanka remains uncertain.