![USA Cricket team for T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768458578667_USACricketteamforT20WorldCup2026.jpg?type=hq)
USA Cricket team for T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]
After days of speculation, reports and rumours swirled around a controversial situation involving USA cricketers who were allegedly denied Indian visas for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. However, a USA Cricket official has dismissed these claims, clarifying that the players’ visa applications are still under process and have not been outright rejected.
The rumours gained traction after a social media video posted by USA player Ali Khan went viral. In the video, Khan claimed that he, along with Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin and Ehsan Adil, had been refused visas for the T20 World Cup 2026 due to their Pakistani origin.
Notably, all four players were born in Pakistan but are now United States citizens and represent the USA national cricket team.
USA official confirms visas were not rejected
The USA Cricket official explained that the visas are likely facing delays rather than rejection, as India follows stricter visa protocols for individuals born in Pakistan.
“I clarify that the visa issue is being handled by USA Cricket, which is currently administered by the International Cricket Council. It was erroneously conveyed by one player that the visas were rejected,” USA Cricket official told Telecom Asia Sport
Under Indian regulations, applicants born in Pakistan must apply based on their country of birth rather than their current passport, a process that involves additional scrutiny and enhanced security checks, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
It has since emerged that the visas are delayed and not denied entirely. Ali Khan, whose video sparked the controversy, also told TelecomAsia.net that the applications are still under consideration, contradicting his earlier claim of outright rejection.
Why the visa complications for T20 World Cup 2026?
For the unaware, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. Players travelling to India are required to secure valid visas based on their passport and place of birth, which has led to complications for Pakistan-origin cricketers.
Reports had further fuelled speculation by claiming that Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, who is also Pakistan-born, had been denied a visa. However, a Zimbabwean cricket journalist dismissed those reports as false.
Notably, USA and Zimbabwe are not the only teams facing such concerns. According to TelecomAsia.net, Italy, Oman, Nepal, Canada, England and the Netherlands could also encounter visa delays.
ICC issues special directives
Special directives have reportedly been issued to Indian embassies and high commissions to expedite visa processing for Pakistan-origin players, with the T20 World Cup 2026 less than three weeks away. Failure to resolve these delays in time could place the ICC event under serious pressure.
“We have sent special directives to Indian embassies and hope there will be no visa issues,” an ICC source said.
Earlier complications and status of Pakistan team
Visa complications for Pakistan-origin players are not unprecedented. In previous ICC event, Shiraz Ahmed faced a similar issue during the 2023 World Cup.
Australian opener Usman Khawaja was denied a visa in 2017, while Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir encountered the same problem during the 2024 season.
However, the Pakistan national team will not be affected by these issues, as they are scheduled to play all their group-stage, Super Eight and knockout matches in Sri Lanka, eliminating the need for travel to India.
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