England Bowler Saqib Mahmood Overcomes Visa Delay for India Tour
Fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has finally received his visa for England’s upcoming limited-overs series in India after encountering delays, ensuring he will be able to join the squad as they travel to Kolkata on Friday ahead of the first T20I on Wednesday.
Visa Delay Impacts Mahmood’s Training Camp Participation
Mahmood, who missed an England training camp in the UAE due to the delay in obtaining his travel document, will now be able to link up with his teammates for the vital series in India. This delay is not unfamiliar to Mahmood, who had faced similar issues in the past, missing out on crucial opportunities like the England Lions tour of India in 2019 and Lancashire’s pre-season tour in 2024.
Mahmood’s Resilience and Comeback Trail
Despite these setbacks, the 27-year-old has shown resilience and determination in overcoming consecutive lower-back stress fractures to make a successful return to the international cricket scene last year. His stellar performance during England’s T20I series in the Caribbean, where he was named player of the series after taking nine wickets, further solidified his place in the team.
Impressions on Head Coach Brendon McCullum
With 29 appearances across all formats, including two Test caps against West Indies in 2022, Mahmood will now have the opportunity to impress head coach Brendon McCullum, who recently took charge of England’s red- and white-ball sides. This India tour will be a crucial moment for Mahmood to showcase his skills and solidify his position in the team, overcoming the challenges posed by visa delays and focusing on his performance on the field.
