Pakistan-Origin England Pacer Saqib Mahmood Faces Visa Delay Before India T20 Series

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England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood is reportedly facing a delay in securing his visa for travel to India, raising concerns about his availability for the team’s training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of the T20I series. As per a report by ESPNcricinfo, Mahmood, who has Pakistan heritage, has not yet received his visa and remains unable to join the preparatory camp due to his passport being with the visa authorities.

The report states that Mahmood is expected to receive his visa by Friday, just before a batch of England players departs for Kolkata for the series. However, this delay means Mahmood will miss valuable training time with the squad in Abu Dhabi.

This is not the first time Mahmood has faced visa-related issues. In 2017, he was replaced in the England Lions squad touring India due to similar delays.

Past Visa Issues for Cricketers of Pakistani Heritage

England’s cricket team has encountered similar situations in the past. Last year, spinner Shoaib Bashir, also of Pakistan origin, missed the first Test match in Hyderabad during the England-India series due to a delayed visa. Similarly, Australian batter Usman Khawaja faced visa challenges during a 2023 tour.

Interestingly, other England players of Pakistan heritage, including Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid, have reportedly received their visas without any complications.

England’s Upcoming Tour

England’s limited-overs series against India begins with the first T20I in Kolkata on January 22. The T20I series will be followed by ODIs, serving as a build-up to the ICC Champions Trophy. Jos Buttler will captain the side in both formats, while veteran Joe Root makes his ODI comeback after more than a year.

England’s ODI squad features seasoned pacers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, along with young talents such as Jacob Bethell and Jamie Overton. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes was not considered for selection due to his recovery from a hamstring injury.

England T20I and ODI Squads

T20I Squad: Jos Buttler (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

ODI Squad (India tour and ICC Champions Trophy): Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

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