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IND vs ENG: England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood is in a big spot of bother as his team prepares to face India in the upcoming T20 series. Mahmood, who has been a regular member of the England bowling unit, has not been able to get his Indian visa in time for the tour, which starts on January 22, 2025, in Kolkata. Therefore, Mahmood’s participation in the series is now uncertain.
Saqib Mahmood visa issues for IND vs ENG series
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Mahmood, a 27-year-old fast bowler, comes originally from Pakistan. The cricket player, who represented England in nine One-Day Internationals, eighteen T20 Internationals, and two Test matches, is still stranded in England as the team travels to the United Arab Emirates to get ready for a series. He is unable to enter India due to a visa issue.
Mahmood’s travel to the United Arab Emirates was canceled by the England Cricket Board last week because his passport was still at the Indian Embassy pending visa approval, which made matters worse.
Other pace attack players for England, including Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood, are practicing in the United Arab Emirates under the guidance of seasoned bowler James Anderson. There has been some worry regarding Mahmood’s readiness for the series due to the delay in processing his visa, particularly as the cold weather in England is making it difficult for him to practise bowling.
Saqib Mahmood’s Pakistani Heritage
Saqib Mahmood was born to Pakistani parents in Birmingham, England. Although the Indian authorities have not provided an official explanation, it is possible that his Pakistani heritage is the cause of the issues that have developed with his visa application.
This circumstance is a recurrence of a similar incident with Shoaib Bashir, another cricket player from Pakistan. Due to a delay in obtaining his visa, he was unable to participate in the opening Test match in the England vs. India series at the start of 2024.
England Preparation Tour of India
An essential component of England’s preparation for the forthcoming Champions Trophy will be the Twenty20 series against India. It is expected of every team member to be at their peak performance. A five-match Twenty20 series will be played throughout the visit in various Indian cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Rajkot, and Kolkata. In February, following the Twenty20 matches, the sides will play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
With only one week left before the series, the ECB has said nothing on Mahmood’s visa. Since the result will have a big impact on the player’s international career as well as England’s overall squad strength during this crucial tour, fans and commentators are all anxiously awaiting information.
Looking Ahead: Will Saqib Mahmood Make It to India?
Whether Saqib Mahmood will be able to obtain his visa in time for the India tour is still up in the air. His recent form and the depth he adds to the bowling unit make his exclusion from the team a serious blow to England’s pace attack.
Finding a solution will receive a lot of attention in the days leading up to the start of the series, and England will be hoping for a smooth journey to their campaign in India.
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