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England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has finally secured his visa and is set to join the team for their highly anticipated white-ball tour of India. Mahmood had faced delays in the visa process, causing him to miss England’s pre-tour training camp in the UAE.
The England squad will travel to Kolkata, where they will play the opening T20I of the series at the iconic Eden Gardens on January 22. The tour includes a five-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series, leading up to the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
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Mahmood Overcomes Visa Hurdle
Mahmood’s visa delay stemmed from his Pakistani heritage, an issue that has affected several England cricketers of similar background in the past, including Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, and Rehan Ahmed. While Rashid and Ahmed received their visas earlier, Mahmood was the last to secure clearance, allowing him to join the squad just in time.
This isn’t the first time Mahmood has faced such difficulties. Similar issues arose in 2019, forcing him to miss the England Lions tour of India and Lancashire’s pre-season trip.
Mahmood Misses Key Training Camp
The visa delay also meant Mahmood was unable to attend a fast-bowling camp in Abu Dhabi, designed to help England’s pacers adapt to Indian conditions. Led by James Anderson, the camp featured top fast bowlers such as Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson. Despite missing this preparatory phase, Mahmood’s recent performances suggest he is ready for the challenge ahead.
Having overcome back-to-back stress fractures, Mahmood made a strong international comeback in 2024, particularly in the T20I series against West Indies. He claimed 9 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 10.55 and an economy of 6.33, reaffirming his credentials as a potent pace option.
Shoaib Bashir Faced Similar Issues
This visa issue is not unique to Mahmood. Earlier in 2024, England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir missed the opening Test of their India tour due to a similar delay. However, he returned for the subsequent matches, making an impactful Test debut with 17 wickets in three games.
What’s Next for Mahmood?
Mahmood, with 2 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 18 T20Is under his belt, has been a crucial part of England’s plans. His ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure makes him a key figure in England’s white-ball attack. He is also part of England’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, where his familiarity with subcontinental conditions will be invaluable.
With Mahmood now set to feature in the India series, fans can expect a high-octane contest as England’s pace attack takes on India’s formidable batting lineup. The T20I opener on January 22 promises to be a thrilling start to the tour.
