For all 42 players and match officials of Pakistan origin traveling to India for the T20 World Cup, the International Cricket Council has intervened to expedite the visa application process.

Pakistani-born cricket players in the England team include pacer Saqib Mahmood, spinner Adil Rashid, and spinner Rehan Ahmed. Ali Khan and Shayan Jahangir will represent the United States, and Zulfiqar Saqib will represent the Netherlands.

Rashid, Rehan, and Saqib, three English players, have already had their visas approved, according to PTI. The visas for the Netherlands squad members have also been issued. Shah Saleem Zafar, a Canadian employee, has also received clearance.

For players and officials of Pakistani nationality or background who play for teams from the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Italy, Bangladesh, and Canada, visa arrangements are presently under progress.

Appointments for these teams' visas have already been set for early next week, suggesting that the procedure is nearing its conclusion. Participants' visas must be issued by January 31.

Given the broad participation of Pakistani-born players in both associate and full-member nations, these approvals are regarded as a significant first step.

The ICC exercise includes players, officials, and backup personnel from several teams, highlighting the governing body's efforts to avoid any last-minute issues prior to the global tournament. The ICC, which is in charge of the coordinating process, has been in continual communication with Indian High Commissions in cities across continents.

The goal has been to make sure that visa applications for the remaining players and officials are processed swiftly and without procedural delays.

With visa facilitation progressing as planned, the ICC believes that all participating teams will be fully prepared from a logistical standpoint before the tournament gets underway on February 7.

(PTI inputs)