England’s spin duo Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed have been cleared to travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after receiving their Indian visas. The development comes after days of questions
surrounding the availability of players of Pakistani origin for the tournament, which begins on February 7. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed confidence that all remaining visa applications linked to the issue will be resolved in time.
The delay in issuing visas to Rashid and Rehan had raised concerns last week after it was revealed that the rest of the England squad had already received clearance. Both players, who have Pakistani heritage, were awaiting approval amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Similar visa-related delays have affected several cricketers of Pakistani origin in recent years, recording the issue as a recurring one whenever major ICC events are hosted in India.
The matter gained immense attention after USA fast bowler Ali Khan claimed on social media that he had been denied an Indian visa. Even Pakistan’s men’s team faced brief delays before travelling to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
ICC believes all pending visas will be cleared by January 31
According to ESPNcricinfo report, visas for Rashid and Rehan have now been issued, clearing the way for them to join England’s T20 World Cup campaign. The ICC has stated that it is confident that Indian visas for all players, support staff, and officials of Pakistani origin or nationality involved in the tournament will be arranged on time.
In total, 42 visa applications fall under this category, involving squads from Canada, the Netherlands, the UAE, England, Italy, Bangladesh, and the USA. This includes Bangladesh’s coaching staff member Mushtaq Ahmed, a former Pakistan international. Visas have already been issued to members of the Netherlands and Canada squads, while appointments for the remaining teams are scheduled early next week.
The ICC has taken a proactive role in coordinating with Indian High Commissions and consulates worldwide to ensure a smooth process. The governing body believes all pending visas will be cleared by January 31, ahead of the tournament’s official support period.
Sky Sports reported earlier that Rashid and Rehan were unlikely to travel with England to Sri Lanka for warm-up matches due to the delay. However, it was always expected that both players would be available for England’s opening T20 World Cup match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 8. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been working closely with the Indian government, the BCCI, and the ICC to expedite the process.
