England cricketer of Pakistani origin faces visa hurdles that threaten his participation in T20I series against India
The world of cricket is awash with the latest developments Englandpakistani pacer, Saqib Mahmoodas he faces significant visa issues just days before the long-awaited T20I series vs India. Scheduled to begin on January 22 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Mahmood’s participation in this crucial tour is hanging in the balance due to administrative hurdles that have left him stuck in England.
Saqib Mahmood’s flight cancellation amid visa dilemma
According to reports in The Daily Mail, Mahmood was expected to join his teammates in the UAE for the preparatory camp, where they would acclimatize to the conditions under the guidance of a fast bowling mentor James Anderson. However, his flight was canceled as England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) he reported that his passport remains at the Indian embassy, preventing him from traveling. Due to this situation, the 27-year-old could not train effectively in the icy conditions of England, where he could not bowl and adequately prepare for the upcoming matches.
The ECB has still not released an official statement on Mahmood’s visa status, and it remains uncertain when he will be able to join the squad. With just a week to go before the team leaves for India, this setback raises concerns about his fitness and fitness for the series.
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Visa problem form
Unfortunately, Mahmood’s current situation is not an isolated incident. Earlier, he faced visa-related challenges while traveling to India. Last year, while playing for Lancashirehe failed to secure a visa in time, leading to his exclusion from the tour. Similarly, in 2019, he failed to join England Lions team due to visa complications. These recurring problems highlight a worrying pattern for cricketers of Pakistani origin trying to enter India for cricket engagements.
The last tour of India saw other players facing similar hurdles. Shoaib Bashir he had to return to London to sort out his visa issues before taking part in the Test match. Additionally, Rehan Ahmed ran into single-entry visa issues that delayed his entry into India during the recent series. Such incidents not only disrupt team dynamics but also create frustration among players and management.
Mahmood: Crucial advantage for England
Mahmood’s absence would be a significant blow to England’s bowling attack. He made a notable impact in T20I cricket, playing 18 matches and taking 18 wickets at an average of 30.61. His output includes a four-wicket haul and an economy rate of 9.33 runs per over. Furthermore, he is also part of England’s ODI squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025showing his importance within the team structure.
Despite these stats, Mahmood is yet to face India at any level on the international stage. His potential debut against such a powerful opponent would mark a significant milestone in his career and further solidify his place in the national team.
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