England’s preparations for next month’s T20 World Cup have hit a major snag after the Indian government failed to issue visas to spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, as both have Pakistani heritage.
The delay means both players will miss traveling with the squad this weekend for six warm-up games against Sri Lanka, while it remains unclear when they will join their teammates.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said that the visa delays are not a surprise, given India’s increasingly bureaucratic approach toward players of Pakistani origin in recent years amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan.
This instance marks the latest in a pattern of similar incidents. Shoaib Bashir missed the first Test of England’s series in India two years ago after having to fly back to London to complete his visa application, while Saqib Mahmood has faced similar issues in the past.
The development sparked fury on social media, with cricket fans calling out the Indian government’s selective visa policies.
“Every time, can you imagine the stink the BBCI and Indian government would kick up if we did the same for them,” one user wrote.
Every time, can you imagine the stink the bbci and Indian government would kick up if we did the same for them
— Stuart Tyrer (@stiggyt19) January 14, 2026
Another demanded stronger action from England’s cricket board: “I think if the Indian government keeps doing this, ECB cricket should grow a spine and just boycott the event.”
I think if the Indian government keeps doing this, @ECB_cricket should grow a spine and just boycott the event https://t.co/nmqqXrewLB
— Mikolf Tappler (@ShinMarginalScr) January 15, 2026
“Every F***ing time. The Indian authorities delay visa issuance to English players with Pakistani heritage. It’s beyond farcical at this point,” a frustrated fan commented.
Every F-ing time. The Indian authorities delay visa issuance to English players with Pakistani heritage. It’s beyond farcical at this point https://t.co/zkGBZHJTcA
— Stuart Drysdale Official (@DarloBun) January 15, 2026
Some called for retaliatory measures. “Next time India come to England pick two of their top players to refuse visas,” one user suggested.
Another went further, stating: “I have said it before and I will say it again, India should not be allowed to host international sporting events.”
England is not alone in facing visa complications. American fast bowler Ali Khan, who has Pakistani roots, revealed this week that India denied him a visa ahead of the tournament, despite him representing the US national team.
Reports indicate that Americans Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin, both of whom are of Pakistani descent, also face visa denials from Indian authorities.
Several T20 World Cup teams, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Canada, Italy, the US and the Netherlands, have reportedly approached the ICC to discuss visa issues for players born in Pakistan or of Pakistani descent.
Pakistan’s own squad will not face any visa concerns as Pakistan and India have already agreed upon a hybrid model for ICC events, under which both teams play their matches at neutral venues when one of them hosts the tournament.
Sri Lanka will host all group-stage games and any knockout matches involving Pakistan.