Saqib Mahmood Secures Visa for England’s India Tour, Set to Join Team in Kolkata
New Delhi, January 17: England pacer Saqib Mahmood has finally received his visa for India, clearing the way for him to join the team ahead of the limited-overs series. Mahmood will link up with the squad in Kolkata on Friday, just in time for the first T20 match scheduled for Wednesday.
Visa Delays Cause Training Disruptions
The Pakistani-origin bowler faced delays in securing his travel documents, which prevented him from participating in England’s training camp in the UAE. In contrast, teammates Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed received their visas without complications.
This isn’t Mahmood’s first encounter with visa-related hurdles. In 2019, he experienced similar delays during England’s tour of India. The issue isn’t isolated; in 2024, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir missed the opening Test in Hyderabad due to a prolonged visa process.
Impact on Preparations
Mahmood was slated to train at a pace-bowling camp in Abu Dhabi led by veteran bowler James Anderson. The camp included England’s top pacers such as Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood. However, his absence from these crucial preparations could impact his rhythm and readiness for the India series.
Despite this, Mahmood’s recent performances underline his potential. The 27-year-old excelled in England’s T20I series in the Caribbean last November, taking nine wickets at an average of 10.55, which earned him the Player of the Series award.
Aiming to Impress Brendon McCullum
With 29 appearances across formats, including two Test caps against the West Indies in 2022, Mahmood is eager to leave a mark under head coach Brendon McCullum. McCullum, who oversees both England’s red- and white-ball teams, will undoubtedly have high expectations from Mahmood as England tackles the challenging Indian conditions.
Historical Challenges with Visa Delays
Visa delays have been a recurring issue for England players of South Asian origin. Mahmood’s and Bashir’s experiences highlight the bureaucratic hurdles that sometimes complicate international cricket tours. These delays not only disrupt personal schedules but also affect team preparations.
