Pakistan-Origin Saqib Mahmood Got Visa Delayed: England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood’s preparations for an important white-ball tour of India, starting on January 22, have been hit significantly because of the delay in securing his visa.
Pakistan-Origin Saqib Mahmood Got Visa Delayed in India
According to a report in The Daily Mail, Mahmood is yet to be granted his visa for the upcoming limited-overs tour to India. His passport is still in the hands of the Indian Embassy, the report added.
It is not the first time that a player of Pakistani heritage or origin has faced visa issues. Last year, it was England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, and the year before that it was Australian opener Usman Khawaja who faced roadblocks and delays in arriving in India amid a visa delay.
Saqib Mahmood forced to miss training camp under James Anderson in Abu Dhabi
Mahmood was initially slated to fly to Abu Dhabi last Thursday, but the ECB had to cancel his flight. England are having a training camp under bowling consultant James Anderson in Abu Dhabi before they fly out to India.
Because of the freezing conditions in the UK, Mahmood has been unable to bowl and practice outdoors. To acclimatize to the conditions in India, Anderson held a training camp in Abu Dhabi, which Mahmood had to miss.
“Mahmood has spent the last few days in limbo, awaiting a resolution but is still uncertain if he will be able to join the rest of England’s touring party when they depart this Friday,” the Daily Mail said.
The first IND vs ENG T20I is scheduled for January 22 in Kolkata. The ECB hasn’t commented yet, but it is reported that they are optimistic that the issue will be resolved soon and Mahmood will be available for the first T20I.
Mahmood was the Player of the Series in England’s last T20I series in the West Indies in November. The speedster took nine wickets in only three matches. During the series, he broke the record for the most powerplay wickets taken by an England bowler in a men’s series.
Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, two other players of Pakistani heritage in the England squad, have received their visas.
India’s tour includes five T20Is and three ODIs, all of which will help England in their preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played across Pakistan and Dubai (India’s matches).
Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.
