.svg)
Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Multiple players from England and Australia faced visa delays due to Pakistani heritage
- 2🏆 ICC guarantees all clearances will be completed before February 7 tournament start
- 3💡 Visa complications resolved without impacting squad availability for group matches
- 4🔮 England can now focus fully on their Super 8 qualification push
"The ICC is confident that Indian visas for all players, support staff and officials of Pakistani origin or nationals at the event will be arranged in time"
Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid have finally received their Indian visas for the T20 World Cup 2026, ending weeks of uncertainty that threatened to derail England's tournament preparations. The ICC has assured all stakeholders that players, support staff, and officials of Pakistani origin or nationality will secure clearances well before the tournament kicks off on February 7.
Visa Delays Resolved
The two England spinners had faced unexpected delays in obtaining their visas, a situation that emerged late last week while their teammates had already received theirs. Players of Pakistani descent from both England and Australia experienced similar complications, creating logistical headaches for their respective boards just weeks before the tournament.
The ICC's swift intervention and confirmation that no further visa obstacles remain has provided crucial relief to the English camp. With the tournament format requiring all matches to proceed on schedule across India and Sri Lanka, any player unavailability would have severely impacted squad balance and preparation strategies.
"The ICC is confident that all visa matters will be resolved in time for the tournament." — ICC Statement
This resolution removes a significant distraction from England's World Cup campaign, allowing the team to focus entirely on their group-stage matches against West Indies, Bangladesh, Italy, and Nepal.
Related Stories
