Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Visa Delays for Pakistani-Origin Players
Some cricket players who were born in Pakistan but now play for other countries like the USA and England are having trouble getting visas to go to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The visas are delayed, not rejected.
The players involved are Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, Ehsan Adil, Adil Rashid, and Rehan Ahmed.
India and Sri Lanka will host the event.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked Indian embassies to help these players get visas.
This has happened before to other players from different countries.
Around eight countries might face this problem because they have players who were born in Pakistan.
The delay means these players might not be able to join their teams for some matches.
The English team is also facing disruptions in their preparations for the T20 World Cup and their tour of Sri Lanka because of the delayed visas.
It is unclear if all the players will be able to join their teams in time for the tournament.
Visa delays for Pakistani-origin players participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup and England's tour of Sri Lanka.
Players involved: Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, Ehsan Adil, Adil Rashid, and Rehan Ahmed.
India and Sri Lanka to co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8.
ICC has sent special directives to Indian embassies to accommodate Pakistani-origin players.
Around eight countries, including the USA, UAE, and Canada, may face similar visa issues.
- Who
- Pakistani-origin players (Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, Ehsan Adil, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed), USA cricket official, Indian government, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)
- What
- Visa delays for Pakistani-origin players participating in the 2026 T20 World Cup and England's tour of Sri Lanka
- When
- Upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup (February 7 to March 8), England's tour of Sri Lanka begins on January 22, 2024
- Where
- India and Sri Lanka
- Why
- India's visa rules require Pakistan-born individuals to apply on their country of birth's passport
Players and Teams
Indian Government
Visa Processing
Players and Teams
Players and teams are concerned about the delays and the potential impact on their participation in the T20 World Cup.
Indian Government
The Indian government is processing the visas according to its regulations, which require Pakistan-born individuals to apply on their country of birth's passport.
Tournament Preparation
Players and Teams
Teams are facing disruptions in their preparations due to the delayed visas, as players may not be able to join their squads in time.
Indian Government
The Indian government is working to expedite the process, but the timing remains uncertain.
- Players Involved
- Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, Ehsan Adil, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed
- Event
- ICC T20 World Cup 2026
- Host Countries
- India and Sri Lanka
- Visa Status
- Delayed, not rejected
- Affected Countries
- USA, UAE, Oman, Nepal, Canada, England, Zimbabwe, Netherlands, Italy
- ICC Action
- Sent special directives to Indian embassies
- Previous Incidents
- Zulfiqar brothers (2019), Shiraz Ahmed (2023), Usman Khawaja (2017), Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Basheer (2024)
- England's Tour of Sri Lanka
- Begins on January 22, 2024
- England's T20 World Cup Campaign
- Starts on February 8, 2024, against Nepal in Mumbai
Sources
Pakistani Players To Play In India? USA Cricket Official Debunks Claims Of Visa Rejection Of Pak-Born Players For ICC T20 WC 2026
England Hit By Visa Delay For Spinners Of Pakistan Origin Ahead Of T20 World Cup: Report
Indian govt yet to issue visas to England spinners Rashid, Ahmed for T20 World Cup: Report
Indian visa delay puts England spinners Rashid, Ahmed in doubt for T20 World Cup
T20 World Cup 2026: After USA, visa issues hit England's preparations as Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed face delays
England spin duo Rashid, Rehan face visa snag before T20 World Cup: Report
