ICC Intervenes: England’s Pakistan-Origin Players Secure T20 World Cup Visas
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken steps to ensure smooth visa processing for 42 players and officials of Pakistani origin traveling to India for the T20 World Cup. Among these individuals are members of the England national cricket team, including spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, as well as pacer Saqib Mahmood.
Visa Approvals for Key Players
Recent updates indicate that the visas for Rashid, Ahmed, and Mahmood have been approved. Additionally, players from the United States, like Ali Khan and Shayan Jahangir, along with Zulfiqar Saqib from the Netherlands, are also receiving their visa clearances.
Progress for Other Teams
Visa arrangements are underway for players and officials from several nations, including:
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Italy
- Bangladesh
- Canada
Teams from these countries have scheduled visa appointments for early next week, indicating progress in the application process. The deadline for all visa issuances is set for January 31.
Significance of the ICC’s Efforts
The ICC’s initiative is crucial as it addresses the considerable representation of players of Pakistani descent across both associate and full-member nations. This includes efforts to facilitate logistics for not just players, but also officials and standby personnel.
By coordinating with Indian High Commissions worldwide, the ICC aims to process visa applications efficiently, minimizing any potential delays. They have received commitments that outstanding cases will be managed smoothly within the established timelines.
Challenges in Visa Processing
It is worth noting that applicants of Pakistani origin generally face heightened scrutiny during the Indian visa application process, which can lead to extended processing times. However, the ICC believes that with current facilitation efforts, all participating teams will be ready ahead of the tournament, scheduled to start on February 7.
