Finally visa clearance for Pakistan-origin players

Bangla Press Desk:   Besides the India-Bangladesh dilemma, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally intervened to facilitate visa formalities for all 42 players and officials of Pakistan origin set to feature in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India on Sunday. The move aims to ensure smooth participation of teams with players of Pakistani lineage ahead of the global tournament.

According to the India media (Press Trust of India) report, the England squad, spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, along with fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, are among those covered under the ICC’s facilitation process.

The United States pacer Ali Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Shayan Jahangir, the Netherlands squad includes Zulfiqar Saqib, also got clearance ahead of the T20 World Cup. Before, Pakistan-born USA fast bowler Ali Khan had claimed that his Indian visa was denied ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to UK-based journalist Peter Della Penna, Ali Khan is not the only player facing visa complications. He reported that Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil, and Mohammad Mohsin have also had their Indian visa applications rejected. All four players are currently part of the USA’s 18-man squad in Sri Lanka for a preparatory tour ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The ICC’s proactive involvement is seen as a key step to prevent last-minute logistical issues, with the tournament scheduled to begin in India next month.

According to NDTV, visa appointments for players and officials of Pakistani nationality or origin from these teams have been scheduled for early next week. The ICC has set 31 January as the deadline for visa issuance for all tournament participants.

The council has been in constant coordination with Indian High Commissions across multiple cities to avoid any last-minute complications. With the process now entering its final phase, the ICC is confident that all teams will be fully prepared off the field before the tournament begins on 7 February.

BP/TD