Trouble brewing in England’s camp ahead of the T20 World Cup. Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, two key spinners, remain stranded without US visas as the clock ticks down to the global showdown.
The revelation surfaced during a team briefing in the Caribbean, where the bulk of the squad has assembled for final tweaks. Rashid, a veteran campaigner with over 150 T20s under his belt, and teenage prodigy Ahmed were slated to join imminently from the UK. But bureaucratic red tape has other ideas.
Why the delay? Both players hold British passports but trace roots to Pakistan, triggering extra scrutiny amid US immigration policies. The T20 World Cup spans six US cities alongside West Indies venues, amplifying the stakes.
England’s spin attack suddenly looks thin. Rashid’s wily googlies have bamboozled batsmen worldwide, while Ahmed’s debut IPL stint fetched INR 4 crore and whispers of superstardom. Coach Collingwood downplayed panic: ‘We’ve got options. Adil and Rezza are pros; this won’t faze them.’
Flashback to recent precedents: Pakistan’s squad faced identical issues for a USA series last year, with players routed via Dubai. ECB is exploring chartered flights and diplomatic channels to expedite.
Fan frenzy is building online, with #FreeRashid trending. Pundits warn of tactical overhauls if unresolved – perhaps more seam emphasis on slower pitches.
Tournament director could face backlash if star attractions miss out. England eyes a strong Super 8s push, but this glitch tests resolve. Updates promised by Friday as embassy talks intensify.
Beyond visas, England grapples with Buttler’s fitness and Archer’s workload. Yet, this pre-tourney drama steals the spotlight, reminding all of cricket’s global growing pains.