In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has stepped in to assist in clearing visa formalities for players and officials of Pakistani origin.
This includes members of various teams scheduled to travel to India for the tournament. The situation has caused some concern, particularly for players from England, the United States, the Netherlands, and other countries, with several visa applications still pending.
Among the players affected are England’s Pakistani-origin cricketers, including spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, and pacer Saqib Mahmood. These players, along with several other squad members, have already received their visas, enabling them to travel to India for the tournament. Additionally, members of the Netherlands squad and a staff member from Canada, Shah Saleem Zafar, have also been cleared for travel.
However, players and officials of Pakistani origin from teams such as the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Italy, Bangladesh, and Canada are still waiting for their visa approvals. According to a report from PTI, these individuals are scheduled for their visa appointments early next week. The final deadline for visa issuance is January 31, and the ICC has confirmed that all remaining cases are expected to be resolved by this time.
The delay in processing visas has been a longstanding issue for cricketers of Pakistani origin, often involving additional scrutiny regardless of their nationality or team affiliation. The situation gained further attention when US cricketer Ali Khan posted an Instagram story expressing frustration over a visa denial, which sparked widespread discussion on social media.
To address these concerns, the ICC has been working closely with the Indian High Commissions in various cities worldwide, ensuring that the necessary visa procedures are expedited. This intervention aims to avoid any last-minute complications for players and officials in the run-up to the T20 World Cup.
With the visa processing now moving forward smoothly, the ICC remains confident that all teams will be fully prepared for the tournament, which is set to begin on February 7, 2026. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting edition of the T20 World Cup.
