T20 World Cup 2026: Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed cleared to travel to India

England’s spin combination Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed have been granted Indian visas and are now eligible to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The development comes after days of speculation about Pakistani players’ availability for the event, which begins on February 7. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed confidence that all outstanding visa applications related to the matter will be handled on time.

The delay in providing visas to Adil Rashid and Rehan prompted worries last week, when it was discovered that the rest of the England squad had already been cleared.

Both players, who have Pakistani ancestry, were awaiting approval amid rising diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Similar visa-related delays have hampered other Pakistani players in recent years, making this a perennial issue whenever significant ICC events are held in India.

The case received widespread attention after USA fast bowler Ali Khan stated on social media that he had been denied an Indian visa. Even Pakistan’s men’s squad experienced temporary delays before heading to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup

ICC believes all pending visas will be cleared by January 31

According to report, visas for Rashid and Rehan have now been issued, clearing the way for them to join England’s T20 World Cup campaign. The ICC has stated that it is confident that Indian visas for all players, support staff, and officials of Pakistani origin or nationality involved in the tournament will be arranged on time.

In total, 42 visa applications fall under this category, involving squads from Canada, the Netherlands, the UAE, England, Italy, Bangladesh, and the USA. This includes Bangladesh’s coaching staff member Mushtaq Ahmed, a former Pakistan international. Visas have already been issued to members of the Netherlands and Canada squads, while appointments for the remaining teams are scheduled early next week.

The ICC has taken a proactive role in coordinating with Indian High Commissions and consulates worldwide to ensure a smooth process. The governing body believes all pending visas will be cleared by January 31, ahead of the tournament’s official support period.

Rashid and Rehan were previously reported by to be unlikely to accompany England to Sri Lanka for warm-up matches because to the delay. However, both players were anticipated to be available for England’s first T20 World Cup match against Nepal on February 8 in Mumbai. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been working closely with the Indian government, the BCCI, and the ICC to speed up the process.