The USA cricket team has been thrown into uncertainty ahead of the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup after multiple Pakistani origin players were reportedly denied visas to travel to India, raising concerns that long standing Pak India tensions may once again be spilling into international cricket.
Fast bowler Ali Khan first brought the issue to light through an Instagram story, confirming that his Indian visa application had been rejected. He also revealed that fellow USA teammates Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil, and Mohammad Mohsin are facing the same situation, putting their participation in the World Cup at serious risk.
With the tournament just weeks away, the visa denials have created anxiety within the USA camp, especially as these players are considered key contributors to the squad.
Also Read: Iranian Rial Hits Record Low as Falls to Near Zero Value
Pak India Rivalry Adds Pressure Ahead of World Cup
While no official reason has been communicated publicly, the development has sparked debate over whether Pak India political tensions are influencing visa decisions. Players of Pakistani origin or those holding Pakistani passports have historically faced travel complications, particularly for events hosted in India.
Sources familiar with the situation say several cricket boards have raised the issue with the International Cricket Council, urging clarity and consistency in visa processing. However, as of now, teams affected by the uncertainty have not received firm assurances.
The concern extends beyond the USA. Associate nations such as UAE, Oman, Italy, and Canada reportedly have players of Pakistani background who could face similar challenges, making this a broader tournament wide issue rather than an isolated case.
Tournament Schedule Raises Stakes for USA
The ICC 2026 T20 World Cup will be co hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March, featuring 20 teams divided into five groups. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage, scheduled primarily in Colombo with selected matches in Kolkata.
Any disruption to squad availability during this phase could significantly impact a team’s chances. For the USA, losing experienced players like Ali Khan at a crucial stage could undo even a strong start in the group phase.
Semi finals are scheduled for 3 March and 5 March, with the final set for 8 March in either Ahmedabad or Colombo. As preparations continue, the unresolved visa crisis remains a major concern, with many calling on the ICC to ensure that cricketing competition is not overshadowed by political tensions.
