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Rashid, Noor's MLC Future Uncertain As US Administration Imposes Travel Restrictions

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad [Source: @MINYCricket, @TexasSuperKings/ x.com]Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad [Source: @MINYCricket, @TexasSuperKings/ x.com]

The United States government has imposed bans thus fully restricting and limiting the entry of 12 nationals into the country. The countries thus affected are - Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. As per the proclamation from the US President, Donald Trump the ban is designed to protect the national security and interests of the United States and its people. 

This ban will be effective from the next week. Major League Cricket (MLC) is expected to be affected by these bans as players from Afghanistan are contracted with multiple teams in the league. However, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo, the MLC officials hope that the Afghan players including names like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahamd will be able to fulfil their contracts for the 2025 season even with the impeding travel bans. 

Which Franchises Will Be Affected By US Travel Ban?

Notably, seven players from Afghanistan are under contract for MLC 2025 - Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq (MI New York), Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Waqar Salamkheil (Seattle Orcas) and Noor Ahmad (Texas Super Kings). 

Although the ban, which will be effective from 12:01 AM Eastern Time on Monday (9th June) or 9:30 PM IST, restricts the entry of 12 nationals, there are a few exemptions. "Any athlete or member of an athletic team travelling for World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State" will not be limited by the order. 

The order also states that - "This proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designation countries who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation."

MLC Officials Look To Explore All Options

The officials of the affected franchise are trying to explore all possible ideas including the possibility of bringing the players into the country before the ban comes into effect. Besides, they also hope that the Secretary of State will consider MLC as one of the major sporting events for which the players could get an exemption. 

The third season of the MLC 2025 gets on the way from the 12th of June. The first match of the tournament will see the defending champions, Washington Freedom take on the runners-up from the last season, San Francisco Unicorns at the Oakland Coliseum.