Visa issue leaves Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed waiting for clearance as T20 World Cup 2026 nears
Overview:
Both Rashid and Ahmed will go straight to Sri Lanka or India from South Africa and Australia. Rashid is playing in the SA20 league while Ahmed is a part of the Big Bash League.
England’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have been impacted due to visa delays for Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed. The two spinners will go through administrative checks because they are of Pakistani descent. There is a possibility of Rashid and Rehan staying back in England instead of playing in Sri Lanka for the white-ball series, and there is no confirmation regarding their availability.
It is reported that the Indian government is not opposed to the visa applications of the two players. The England and Wales Cricket Board has urged the UK government to look into the matter in order to expedite the process.
Both Rashid and Ahmed will go straight to Sri Lanka or India from South Africa and Australia. Rashid is playing in the SA20 league while Ahmed is a part of the Big Bash League.
The ECB is hopeful of getting the visas in time for its two players to play in the World Cup despite the ongoing delay. England will take on Nepal in their first match at the Wankhede Stadium on 8 February.
Meanwhile, England will play three ODIs and three T20Is in Sri Lanka, scheduled to start on 22 January. In the absence of Rashid and Ahmed, England white-ball captain Harry Brook may not have specialist alternatives. Liam Dawson is the only other spinner in the squad. He will rely on Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell, who are part-timers.
The venue of England’s World Cup match against Bangladesh is not confirmed after tensions between India and the neighbouring country. Bangladesh has asked the International Cricket Council to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is not in favour of changes due to logistic issues.
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