Archive · 18 Jan 2026
T20 World Cup: Visa Delays for Pakistan-Origin Players
Some cricket players and officials from different countries, who have Pakistani roots, are having trouble getting visas to play in the T20 World Cup in India.
This is because the Indian visa process takes longer for people from Pakistan.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is helping to speed up the process.
Some players, like those from England, have already got their visas, but others are still waiting.
The ICC is talking to the Indian government to make sure everyone gets their visas on time so they can play in the tournament starting on February 7.
The ICC is facilitating visa formalities for 42 players and officials of Pakistani origin for the T20 World Cup in India.
England players Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, and Saqib Mahmood, along with players from USA, Netherlands, and Canada, are affected by visa delays.
Visa clearances have been granted for some players, including those from England, Netherlands, and Canada.
Visa appointments for remaining players are scheduled for early next week, with a deadline of January 31.
The ICC is coordinating with Indian High Commissions to ensure smooth processing of pending visa applications.
- Who
- Players and officials of Pakistan origin from various teams, including England, USA, Netherlands, and Canada
- What
- Visa delays and additional scrutiny for Indian visas affecting T20 World Cup preparations
- When
- Weeks before the tournament starts, with a deadline of January 31 for visa issuance
- Where
- India, with the ICC coordinating with Indian High Commissions globally
- Why
- Additional administrative scrutiny and longer processing times for applicants of Pakistani origin
Players and Teams
Indian Visa Process
Visa Processing Time
Players and Teams
Players and teams are concerned about the delays in visa processing, which could impact their preparation and participation in the T20 World Cup.
Indian Visa Process
The Indian visa process for applicants of Pakistani origin involves additional scrutiny, leading to longer processing times.
- Players Affected
- Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Saqib Mahmood (England); Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir (USA); Zulfiqar Saqib (Netherlands); Shah Saleem Zafar (Canada)
- Current Status
- Visa clearances for England players Rashid, Rehan, and Saqib; Netherlands players; Canada staff member Shah Saleem Zafar
- Teams with Pending Visas
- United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Italy, Bangladesh, Canada
- Visa Appointment Schedule
- Early next week
- Visa Deadline
- January 31
- Tournament Start Date
- February 7
- ICC's Role
- Facilitating visa formalities and coordinating with Indian High Commissions
