England's Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed granted Indian visas for T20 World Cup

Visas for England cricketers Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid to travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have been issued, easing concerns over delays faced by players with Pakistan ties.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed confidence that visas for all players, support staff and officials of Pakistani origin or nationality will be arranged in time for the tournament.

The matter had come into focus last week after it emerged that Ahmed and Rashid were still awaiting clearances, even though the rest of the England squad had already received their visas.

Both players have family roots in Pakistan, which has historically complicated the visa process for travel to India.

In recent years, several players of Pakistani origin from England and Australia have encountered similar delays. The issue resurfaced prominently after USA fast bowler Ali Khan claimed in an Instagram post last week that he had been denied an Indian visa.

Strained political and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have made visa approvals for Pakistani nationals or those of Pakistan heritage increasingly difficult.

Pakistan’s men’s team also faced a brief delay in receiving visas ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

According to sources, a total of 42 visa applications linked to players and officials of Pakistani origin have been submitted from the squads of Canada, Netherlands, UAE, England, Italy, Bangladesh and the USA.

Bangladesh’s applications include former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, who is part of the team’s coaching staff.

Visas have already been issued to players and officials from the Netherlands and Canada, while visa appointments for members of the UAE, USA, Italy, Bangladesh and Canada squads are scheduled for early next week.

The ICC has taken a more proactive role in facilitating the process and is in regular contact with Indian High Commissions and consulates worldwide to ensure smooth clearance of the remaining applications.

The global governing body remains confident that all visas will be issued by January 31, ahead of the tournament’s support period.