Adil, Rehan receive Indian visas, remaining Pak-origin players to get theirs soon

England spinners Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid have been issued visas to travel to India after an earlier delay.

Visas expected to be issued by January 31

The two bowlers are part of a larger group of players and support staff of Pakistan origin, which is understood to be struggling with visa clearance ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is confident that they will receive their Indian visas by January 31, a week before the tournament begins.

It is reported that there are 42 visa applications from players and staff of Pakistani heritage across several teams, including Canada, Netherlands, UAE, England, Italy, USA, and Bangladesh. 

Of these, individuals from Canada and the Netherlands have already been issued visas, while the remaining are expected to receive their appointments by next week.

Previous instances of visa delays

Last week, Pakistan-born USA cricketer Ali Khan revealed through his Instagram story that his Indian visa application was denied. Following this, sources confirmed many such players, especially from associate nations, were up against a similar obstacle. 

Indian visa delays for cricketers with Pakistan ties aren’t unheard of. Previously, players including Shoaib Bashir and Usman Khawaja have encountered similar delays due to strained relations between India and Pakistan. 

With India co-hosting the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will play all their games in Sri Lanka as per the hybrid model agreed upon by both teams last year.

ALSO READ:Vidarbha Win First Vijay Hazare Trophy After Beating Saurashtra in Historic Final- IPL