T20 World Cup 2026: England’s plans hit by Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed's visa delays

The buildup to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, has been surrounded by visa delays that are now affecting multiple teams, with England players

Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed having to face unexpected delays in procuring visas for their travel to India for the upcoming marquee event.

The duo is currently on duty with T20 leagues, with Rashid playing in South Africa’s SA20 and Rehan in Australia’s Big Bash. Their delayed Indian visas could see them miss key warm-up fixtures as England build toward their World Cup campaign. 

The issue first emerged when USA fast bowler Ali Khan, who was born in Pakistan before emigrating to the United States, took to social media to highlight a problem with his Indian visa application ahead of the tournament. Posting an Instagram story with the caption, “India visa denied but KFC for the win,” Khan suggested that he and some of his teammates might not be able to travel to India in time for the marquee event.

The four USA players at the centre of the visa delay issue, Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil, are all of Pakistani origin and were part of the Eagles’ provisional T20 World Cup squad. According to reports, while their visa applications remain pending, they will be processed in accordance with the procedures. 

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that applications were submitted on time and that there are no objections from cricketing authorities, with efforts underway to accelerate approvals. The ECB has reportedly received assurances that visas for Rashid and Rehanwill be issued ahead of the T20 World Cup in India. 

USA to face co-hosts India in their World Cup opener 

Team USA is scheduled to face India in their opener in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. They are placed in group A alongwith Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan, and India. 
On the other hand, the Three Lions are placed in group C, and will play Nepal in their opening encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on February 8.