T20 World Cup 2026: With less than a month left for the T20 World Cup to begin, England's preparations have suffered a major setback as two of their players are facing visa difficulties.

England has suffered a major setback in their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup, as two of their players are facing visa issues. This appears to be linked to Pakistan, whose matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka. These two players are Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed.

According to a report in The Guardian, the Indian government has not yet issued visas to Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid. According to the report, due to this delay, these two Pakistani-origin players will not be able to travel with the team to Sri Lanka, where the Sri Lanka vs. England series will consist of three ODIs and three T20 matches. It is unclear when both players will join their teams. Rashid is currently playing in the SA20, and Rehan in the Big Bash League.

The report states that the England and Wales Cricket Board has been assured that there are no objections to their applicant. With the support of the UK government, efforts are underway to complete the process as quickly as possible. With the absence of Ahmed and Rashid, Liam Dawson is currently the only specialist spinner in the team.

England's first match is on February 8.

The 2026 T20 World Cup is being held in India and Sri Lanka. The tournament begins on February 7th, with England's first match on February 8th at the Wankhede Stadium. England is in Group C, which also includes Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal, and the West Indies. England's first match is against Nepal. All Group C matches are scheduled in India, but Bangladesh has requested that their matches be moved to Sri Lanka.

England's provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.