According to PTI, India has already issued visas to Pakistani-origin cricketers from England and the Netherlands.
Cricketers of Pakistani origin from other countries often face hurdles in obtaining Indian visas. Many had encountered similar issues ahead of the T20 World Cup. The ICC is reportedly working to ensure their visas, according to Indian media outlets.
The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Various squads feature Pakistani-origin players, many of whom have faced complications obtaining Indian visas.
Indian media reports state that the ICC is working to secure visas for 42 Pakistani-origin players and officials across different countries’ squads.
The visa complications first came to light earlier this month. Pakistani-origin US pacer Ali Khan said on social media that India had denied him a visa. Later, US journalist Peter Della Penna reported that three more US players—Ziaur Rahman, Ehsan Adil, and Mohammad Mohsin—were also on the list of those denied visas.
The political tensions between India and Pakistan have affected cricket for years. In the past, many Pakistani-origin players have faced visa challenges when playing in India, including notable names like Australia’s Usman Khawaja and England’s Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, and Shoaib Bashir.
This time as well, England’s Rashid, Rehan, and Shakib Mahmood initially faced visa issues. However, all three have now received their visas, according to PTI.
Pakistani-origin members of the Netherlands team have also been granted visas. Canada team staffer Shah Salim Jafar has received his visa as well.
Pakistani-origin players and officials from UAE, the US, Italy, and Canada are still awaiting their Indian visas. Visa appointments for these squads are scheduled to be held early next week, which is expected to be the final stage of the process.
The deadline for issuing visas has been set as January 31. Throughout the coordination process, the ICC has been in regular contact with Indian High Commissions across different countries, working to ensure Pakistani-origin players receive their visas smoothly.
According to Indian media, the ICC has been assured that all remaining visas will be issued within the stipulated timeline.
