Visa Delays Affect England Spinners Rashid and Ahmed Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

England spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, both of Pakistani heritage, are facing delays in obtaining Indian visas ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. These delays have ruled them out of England's preparatory white-ball series in Sri Lanka starting January 22. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been assured there are no objections to their visa applications and is working with the Indian and UK governments to expedite the process. Similar visa issues have affected other players of Pakistani origin, including England's Shoaib Bashir and Saqib Mahmood, as well as four USA players. Despite the setbacks, the ECB remains confident both spinners will receive their visas in time for the World Cup, where England will open against Nepal on February 8.