England's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, have been disrupted as two of their key spinners, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, are facing delays in obtaining their Indian visas. Both Rashid and Ahmed, who have Pakistani heritage, are currently participating in T20 leagues, with Rashid in South Africa's SA20 and Ahmed in Australia's Big Bash League.

The visa delays could potentially cause them to miss crucial warm-up matches in Sri Lanka, hindering England's preparations for the World Cup. This situation places additional pressure on head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Harry Brook, especially after a disappointing performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the aftermath of a 4-1 Ashes defeat. The team is under immense pressure to perform well in the World Cup, with a minimum expectation of reaching the semi-finals.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly received assurances that the visas for Rashid and Ahmed will be issued ahead of the T20 World Cup in India. The ECB has confirmed that the applications were submitted on time and that there are no objections from cricketing authorities, with efforts underway to accelerate approvals.

This is not the first time that cricketers of Pakistani origin have encountered visa issues when seeking entry into India. Earlier in 2024, Shoaib Bashir, another England spinner with Pakistani roots, missed the first Test against India due to visa delays. Similarly, Australian opener Usman Khawaja experienced delays during the 2023 tour of India. These instances highlight a recurring challenge for the ECB and other cricket boards when dealing with multi-ethnic squads.

The issue of visa delays is not limited to England, as several Pakistan-born players from the USA team are also facing difficulties in obtaining their visas for the T20 World Cup. Ali Khan, a USA fast bowler, expressed his frustration on social media, indicating that he and some of his teammates might not be able to travel to India in time for the tournament.

The ICC is expected to address the situation, as they are responsible for the tournament's smooth functioning. In 2025, the ICC stated that the responsibility of procuring visas lies with the individual boards, but they would provide the necessary documentation and support. The current visa delays are a cause of concern for the affected teams, especially with the World Cup just around the corner.