Saqib Mahmood Cleared for England’s India Tour After Visa Delay
Saqib Mahmood Finally Secures Visa for Limited-Overs Series in India
England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has received his visa to travel to India, resolving a delay that had previously forced him to miss the team’s training camp in the UAE. Mahmood is set to join his teammates in Kolkata on Friday, just days ahead of the first T20I on Wednesday.
Visa Issues Resolved for Mahmood
Mahmood, 27, who is of Pakistani heritage, encountered delays in obtaining the necessary travel documents, a situation that had similarly affected his international tours in the past. Two other England players of similar heritage, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, received their visas earlier and joined the squad on schedule.
The Lancashire seamer’s previous encounters with visa issues include being replaced on an England Lions tour of India in 2019 and missing Lancashire’s pre-season tour in 2024 due to anticipated delays. These challenges mirrored those faced by England offspinner Shoaib Bashir, who was unable to play in the first Test against India in Hyderabad last year due to slow visa processing.
Missed Training in UAE
Mahmood was originally scheduled to participate in a pace-bowling camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of the India series. Led by fast-bowling consultant James Anderson, the camp included notable bowlers such as Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood. However, Mahmood’s plans were disrupted as his passport remained with the Indian Embassy.
A Comeback Trail for Mahmood
Mahmood has been on a remarkable comeback journey following consecutive lower-back stress fractures that sidelined him in recent years. He returned to international cricket last year, delivering a standout performance in England’s T20I series in the Caribbean in November. Mahmood was named Player of the Series after claiming nine wickets at an average of 10.55.
With 29 appearances across formats, including two Test caps against the West Indies in 2022, Mahmood is eager to solidify his place in England’s squad. This limited-overs series in India presents an opportunity to impress head coach Brendon McCullum, who now oversees both England’s red-ball and white-ball teams.
Upcoming Series Schedule
England will play three ODIs and five T20Is in their tour of India. The T20I series begins on Wednesday, with matches in Kolkata, Chennai, Rajkot, Pune, and Mumbai. The ODIs are scheduled in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad in February. Mahmood’s inclusion in the squad strengthens England’s pace attack as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures.
Mahmood’s Journey: A Quick Recap
- Comeback Story: Returned to international cricket in 2024 after back injuries.
- Recent Success: Player of the Series in the Caribbean T20I series.
- Past Challenges: Repeated visa issues disrupting tours and training.
- Key Strength: A versatile seamer with the ability to deliver in crucial moments.
England’s Pacers for India Tour
The England pace unit for the tour boasts a mix of experience and youthful energy, including Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and now Saqib Mahmood. The team is expected to rely on this bowling lineup to tackle India’s strong batting unit in the limited-overs formats.
