New Delhi: England’s build-up to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 has hit an unexpected hurdle, with reports indicating that Indian authorities have not yet cleared visas for spin bowlers Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed.
According to a report by The Guardian, the pending clearances are likely to prevent the two players from travelling with the rest of the England squad, which is scheduled to depart this weekend for a limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka. The tour features six matches — three one-day internationals and three T20s — beginning later this month.
Rashid, England’s senior white-ball spinner, is currently competing in South Africa’s SA20 league, while young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed is engaged in Australia’s Big Bash League. Team officials are hopeful that once the visas are approved, both players can fly directly to join the squad from their respective locations.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly been informed that there are no formal objections to the visa applications. The board has also approached the UK government to help speed up the process, although there is still no clarity on when the paperwork will be finalised.
In the absence of Rashid and Ahmed, England’s spin options are thin. Liam Dawson remains the only frontline spinner in the touring party, raising the possibility that all-rounders Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell could be required to shoulder additional bowling responsibilities.
England’s tour of Sri Lanka begins on January 22 with the opening ODI in Colombo. Attention will then shift quickly to the T20 World Cup 2026, where England are slated to start their campaign against Nepal in Mumbai on February 8. Whether Rashid and Ahmed will be available by then remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds England’s group-stage fixture against Bangladesh. The match is provisionally scheduled to be held in Kolkata, but Bangladesh Cricket Board officials have reportedly expressed reluctance to travel to India amid ongoing diplomatic tensions. They have warned that they may withdraw unless the match is shifted to a neutral venue.
The strain between Indian and Bangladeshi cricket authorities escalated after the BCCI reportedly asked IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, citing political considerations. Despite the dispute, the BCCI is said to be keen on sticking to the existing World Cup schedule.
With administrative issues now intersecting with on-field plans, England face a challenging lead-up to a tournament in which they will be defending their T20 crown.
