Saqib Mahmood Faces Visa Delays Ahead of England’s Tour to India
The England cricket team is facing an unexpected hurdle as fast bowler Saqib Mahmood deals with visa delays that could impact his participation in the upcoming white-ball tour to India. Despite applying well in advance, Mahmood’s passport remains with the Indian Embassy, leading to the cancellation of his flight just days before the team’s departure.
Impact on Mahmood’s Training and Tour
England is set to tour India for a series of five T20 internationals and three ODIs, with the first match scheduled for January 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Mahmood was expected to join a pace bowling camp in the UAE, designed to help the team’s seamers acclimate to conditions before the tour. However, with his passport still in limbo, his participation hangs in the balance.
Past Visa Issues for Mahmood
This is not the first time Mahmood has encountered visa-related challenges due to his Pakistani origins. In 2019, he was unable to travel with the England Lions to India, and last year, his Lancashire team faced similar issues, forcing them to travel without him. Such hurdles have been a recurring theme for players of Pakistani descent, with recent incidents involving Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed highlighting ongoing complications.
Looking Ahead
While Mahmood’s teammates like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are training in Abu Dhabi, he remains unable to practice outdoors due to the cold conditions in the UK. Mahmood recently made headlines for his impressive performance in the West Indies, where he became the Player of the Series, showcasing his potential for the upcoming matches.
As the cricketing world watches this situation unfold, fans hope for a swift resolution so Mahmood can join his teammates in India. For the latest updates and promotions, check out Looffers.com.
