India bowling coach Morne Morkel stuck in South Africa due to work visa delay

Morne Morkel, India's bowling coach, was absent from the team's training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday, September 10. His absence was not due to injury or selection matters but was caused by a work visa renewal process that required him to travel back to South Africa to complete the necessary administrative formalities.

Reports confirmed that Morkel is expected to rejoin the Indian camp within a few days once the visa paperwork is resolved. There is no indication at this stage that the delay will stretch beyond a short period, though no specific date has been confirmed for his return to the squad. Senior sports journalist Kushan Sarkar has also provided clarity in this regard.

Work visa renewals for foreign support staff employed by national cricket boards are a routine administrative requirement. However, the processing timeline can occasionally pull a staff member away from the team temporarily, and that is precisely what has occurred in Morkel's case ahead of India's ongoing series against Afghanistan.

Why is Morkel not at India's training session?

Morkel's absence from the Kotla session on September 10 is directly linked to the renewal of his Indian work visa. He travelled to South Africa to complete the required paperwork and meet the administrative conditions set by the relevant authorities. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not disclosed any specific reason for the delay in processing his visa.

Foreign coaches and support staff working with national cricket boards are required to hold valid work authorisation for the country in which they are employed. When a renewal falls due, the individual is typically required to be present in their home country or at a designated consular location to complete the process.

The BCCI has not commented publicly on the matter, and no alternative arrangements for the bowling coaching duties during Morkel's brief absence have been officially announced.

When is Morkel expected to return to Team India?

According to the information available, Morkel is expected to be back with the Indian squad within a few days. The precise date of his return depends on when the visa renewal is completed by the relevant South African and Indian authorities, and no confirmed timeline has been provided by either the BCCI or Morkel's representatives.

Morkel has been a key member of India's support staff in his role as bowling coach. His return will be closely watched by the team management, particularly given that India's series against Afghanistan is currently under way. Whether his brief absence has any bearing on the team's preparation or the scheduling of matches in the AFG vs IND 2026 series has not been officially addressed by the board.