Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed granted visas as ICC shuts down drama, clears 42 Pakistanis for T20 WC 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken steps to ensure smooth participation for players and officials of Pakistani descent at the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. All 42 individuals involved, including England players Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood, are being fast-tracked for visa clearance.

The ICC has been assured that all pending visa cases will be cleared on time. Visa applications from people of Pakistani origin usually take longer in India due to extra checks. The ICC is confident all participating teams will be ready from a logistical point of view before the tournament starts on February 7.

ICC Coordinates Visa Clearances Ahead of T20 World Cup

The ICC is working with Indian High Commissions to complete visa formalities for players from multiple teams ahead of the T20 World Cup. England’s squad includes players of Pakistani origin such as Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, while the USA are represented by Ali Khan and Shayan Jahangir.

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Visa arrangements have already been completed for players from the Netherlands and Canada. Applications for teams from the UAE, the USA, and other nations are still being processed. Officials are aiming to finish all remaining applications before the January 31 deadline.

The ICC has assured teams that the process is moving smoothly and that pending cases will be handled quickly. The goal is to ensure all squads can focus fully on the tournament, which is scheduled to start on February 7.

Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood Receive Visas for T20 World Cup 2026

PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar reported that Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood have received visas to take part in the T20 World Cup 2026.

"Some #ICC #T20WorldCup2026 news. England cricketers @ECB_cricket Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid and Saqib Mahmood have all received Visas for participation in #T20WC. The @ICC is coordinating and facilitating visas of all 42 players and support staff of Pakistan origin from various nations who would be in #India for tourney. #CricketTwitter," he wrote on X.

Some #ICC #T20WorldCup2026 news.
England cricketers @ECB_cricket Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid and Saqib Mahmood have all received Visas for participation in #T20WC. The @ICC is coordinating and facilitating visas of all 42 players and support staff of Pakistan origin from various…

— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) January 18, 2026

T20 World Cup Schedule and Venues

The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and will run from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Matches will be played across eight venues, with five in India and three in Sri Lanka.

The tournament will open on February 7 with Pakistan taking on the Netherlands in a morning match in Colombo. Later the same day, defending champions India will face the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The venue will also host one semi-final on March 5.

The second semi-final, scheduled for March 4, will be played either at Eden Gardens or the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, depending on the teams involved.

Notably, the final will be held either at the Narendra Modi Stadium or the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, based on whether Pakistan qualify. The high-profile clash between India and Pakistan will take place in Colombo on February 15.

Also read: Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed hit by visa delays as England panic ahead of T20 World Cup 2026