Delhi: Only a few days are left for the start of the T20 series between England and India, but the England team has suffered a big shock. The visa of their fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has not been received yet. Mahmood, who is of Pakistani origin, has not yet made his T20 International debut, but he has played 9 ODIs and 2 Tests for England.

27-year-old Mahmood was to go to UAE, where he was to join Joffra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood in the fast bowlers' camp under the supervision of James Anderson.

delay in getting visa

According to the Daily Mail report, the England Cricket Board (ECB) canceled Mahmood's flight because his passport is still in the Indian Embassy. The report said, “Saqib Mahmood was to leave for UAE last Thursday, but due to delay in his visa the ECB canceled his flight. The rest of England's fast bowlers are training with Jimmy Anderson in Abu Dhabi, but due to the cold weather, Mahmood is not even able to practice outdoors in England.

The first match of the T20 series between India and England will be played in Kolkata on 22 January. The remaining matches will be held in Chennai, Rajkot, Pune and Mumbai. After the T20 series, three ODI matches will also be played next month.