England's T20 World Cup 2026 preparations took a little hit due to Indian government visa delays for spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed.

Regardless of nationality or team representation, Rashid and Ahmed will face extra administrative scrutiny when applying for a visa because they are both of Pakistani descent. Due to the delay, it seems unlikely that both players will fly to Sri Lanka for the white-ball series this weekend with the rest of the team, and there is still question regarding when they will be linked up with the team.

It is believed that the Indian government has assured the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that neither player's visa application is being opposed. The ECB has asked the UK government for help in an attempt to expedite the process, although the timing is still unclear.

It is believed that both Rashid and Ahmed will be able to go straight to Sri Lanka or India from South Africa, where Rashid is currently playing in the SA20 league, and Australia, where Ahmed is competing in the Big Bash League.

The ECB is still optimistic that the required visas will be issued in time for Rashid and Ahmed to play in the World Cup despite the delay. On February 8, England will play their first match of the tournament in Mumbai against Nepal. They will be under a lot of strain after losing the Ashes series 1-4.

Beginning on January 22, England will play three ODIs and three T20Is in Sri Lanka; but, in the absence of Rashid and Ahmed, Brook may not have many spin-bowling alternatives. Since Liam Dawson is the only other specialist spinner listed in the team, part-time possibilities like Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell might be required to take on more bowling duties in the event that the two missing players are unable to make it to the series in time.

The venue of England's group-stage match against Bangladesh is still up in the air due to a different political issue. Bangladesh asked the International Cricket Council to move their matches to a neutral location. The request was made in light of ongoing tensions with India and security concerns. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly opposed to any more alterations to the tournament schedule, but Pakistan's matches have already been shifted to Sri Lanka.