Red Tape Derails England’s World Cup Prep: Rashid and Ahmed Stranded by Indian Visa Delays

The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was supposed to be paved with tactical drills and warm-up matches. Instead, for the England cricket team, it has been paved with bureaucratic roadblocks.

In a frustrating case of history repeating itself, England’s preparations for the global showpiece in India have been thrown into disarray. The team’s two premier spinners, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, are currently in limbo, facing significant delays in securing their entry visas for India.

The issue, rooted in the complex diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, stems from the players’ Pakistani heritage. While the rest of the squad prepares to assemble for a vital pre-tournament camp and series in Sri Lanka, England’s spin attack remains grounded, leaving captain Harry Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum scrambling for solutions just weeks before the first ball is bowled.

The “Heritage” Hurdle: Why is this Happening?

According to reports, neither Rashid nor Ahmed has received clearance from Indian authorities, despite the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) starting the process well in advance.

Indian visa regulations are notoriously strict for foreign nationals of Pakistani origin (or those with parents/grandparents born in Pakistan). The vetting process is rigorous, often involving background checks that can take weeks or even months longer than standard applications.

• Adil Rashid: currently playing for the Pretoria Capitals in South Africa’s SA20.
• Rehan Ahmed: currently plying his trade in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

Both players were scheduled to fly directly from their respective franchise leagues to join the England squad in Asia. Instead, they are stuck in a holding pattern. The ECB has reportedly sought urgent assistance from the UK government to accelerate the process, but as of today, the duo is unlikely to make it in time for the crucial warm-up leg.

Deja Vu: The Shoaib Bashir Precedent

For England fans, this situation induces a painful sense of déjà vu.

During England’s Test tour of India just two years ago, young spinner Shoaib Bashir faced an identical ordeal. While his teammates landed in Hyderabad, Bashir was forced to fly back to London from the UAE to physically present his passport at the Indian High Commission, causing him to miss the First Test.

Pacer Saqib Mahmood has faced similar hurdles in the past. The ECB is well-versed in these administrative headaches, yet the timing of this latest delay—right before a World Cup—is catastrophic.

“The ECB has received assurances from the Indian government that there are no objections… Still, the board is seeking help to accelerate the process,” a source close to the board revealed.

The “No Objection” assurance is standard diplomatic language, but in the world of professional sport, timing is everything. A visa granted three days before the tournament leaves zero time for acclimatization.

The Tactical Blow: Missing the Sri Lanka Warm-Ups

The primary casualty of this delay is England’s preparation in Sri Lanka.

England is scheduled to play a six-match white-ball series (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is) in Colombo and Pallekele starting January 22.

• Why it matters: Sri Lankan pitches are the closest simulation to what England will face in India. They are low, slow, and spin-friendly.
• The Problem: Rashid and Rehan are the architects of England’s attack on such surfaces. Without them, the team loses the chance to test their spin combinations and field placements in match conditions.

If they miss this series, their first competitive bowl together might be the World Cup opener itself—a risk no captain wants to take.

England’s World Cup Roadmap: A Trial by Fire

The visa saga adds unnecessary noise to a team already under immense pressure. England is desperate to bounce back from a string of poor results, including a group-stage exit at the 2025 Champions Trophy and a demoralizing 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

The Group C Gauntlet: England faces a tricky group stage, with matches spread across iconic Indian venues.

• Feb 8: vs Nepal (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
• Feb 11: vs West Indies (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
• Feb 14: vs Bangladesh (Eden Gardens, Kolkata) [Venue under review]
• Feb 16: vs Italy (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)

The fixture against Bangladesh on February 14 is already clouded by uncertainty. As reported earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is in a standoff with the ICC regarding playing in India due to security concerns. England now faces the bizarre prospect of preparing for a match where they don’t know the venue, with bowlers who might not have visas.

The Harry Brook Era Under Scrutiny

This tournament is a litmus test for Harry Brook, who has taken over the white-ball captaincy amidst a turbulent period. Following off-field controversies—including a disciplinary fine in New Zealand—Brook needs a stable environment to assert his leadership.

Instead, he is starting his first major campaign as skipper with his two best bowlers missing.

The Provisional Squad:

• Captain: Harry Brook
• Key Stars: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran.
• The Spinners (Currently Absent): Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed.

If Rashid and Ahmed do not arrive in time, England may be forced to rely on part-time options like Liam Livingstone or Will Jacks to fill the void in the warm-ups, hardly an ideal scenario for a team aiming for the semi-finals.

Conclusion: A Race Against Time

The clock is ticking. With the Sri Lanka tour starting in less than a week and the World Cup opener on February 8, the ECB is fighting a battle on two fronts: one on the pitch to regain form, and one in the corridors of power to get their players into the host country.

For Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, the wait continues. For England, the hope is that red tape doesn’t cost them the World Cup before a single ball is bowled.

At a Glance: England’s Visa Crisis