England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood is currently experiencing a delay in obtaining his visa for travel to India, which will prevent him from participating in the team's training camp in Abu Dhabi. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Mahmood, who has Pakistani heritage, has yet to receive his visa, as his passport is still with the relevant authorities for processing.

Nevertheless, it is anticipated that he will receive his visa by Friday, just before a group of cricketers departs for Kolkata. The report also noted that Mahmood encountered a similar issue six years ago when he was replaced in the England Lions squad for a tour of India due to visa delays.

The England cricket team faced comparable challenges last year during their five-match Test series in India. Spinner Shoaib Bashir, also of Pakistani descent, did not receive his visa in time and consequently missed the first Test match in Hyderabad.

Additionally, Australian opener Usman Khawaja experienced similar visa delays during the 2023 tour.

On a positive note, other England players of Pakistani heritage in the squad, including Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid, have successfully obtained their visas, according to the report.

Mahmood has represented England in two Test matches, nine One Day Internationals, and eighteen Twenty20 Internationals.

The England team's limited-overs tour of India is scheduled to begin with a T20 International match in Kolkata on January 22.

Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler will captain the team during the T20I series against India, which will be followed by One Day Internationals and the Champions Trophy. Additionally, the announcement of the ODI squad highlighted the return of veteran Joe Root to the 50-over format after an absence of over a year.

Ben Stokes was not included in the selection as the Test captain continues to undergo evaluation following a left hamstring injury he sustained during England's significant loss to New Zealand in the third Test earlier this month.

New Zealander Brendon McCullum has been at the helm of the Test team since May 2022, where he has successfully implemented a highly aggressive approach known as "Bazball," leading to notable improvements in the team's performance.

England squads:

ODIs (India tour and ICC Champions Trophy): The squad comprises Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, and Mark Wood.

T20s (India tour): The team includes Jos Buttler (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, and Mark Wood.

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