Pakistani origin players await clearance for marquee tournament
Confusion has gripped the build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026 as reports circulate regarding visa issues for USA players of Pakistani origin. With the marquee event set to kick off on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka, several key members of the American squad are reportedly still awaiting travel clearance to enter India.
The controversy gained traction after USA pacer Ali Khan shared a cryptic Instagram story. The cricketer posted a picture of himself dining with a teammate, accompanied by the caption, "India visa denied but KFC for the win." This immediately sparked speculation that the players had been formally barred from entering the host nation.
However, recent clarifications suggest the situation is one of procedural delay rather than outright rejection. According to cricket news outlets, officials have confirmed that the visa applications are currently "under review." The process for Pakistani-origin nationals typically involves additional administrative checks by the Ministry of External Affairs, a standard protocol that applies to all teams regardless of the passport held by the player.
Four specific players - Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil - are currently in limbo. They completed their interviews at the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka on January 13 but did not receive immediate clearance. The embassy has reportedly requested further documentation from the USA team management before the process can move forward.
This level of scrutiny is not new for international cricket events hosted in India. In previous years, high-profile players like Usman Khawaja and Moeen Ali faced similar delays due to their heritage. The protocol is uniform and also affects players from other participating nations such as Canada, Oman, and the UAE who have squad members of Pakistani descent.
Currently, the USA squad is stationed in Sri Lanka, finalising their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026. While the delay is a disruption, team management remains hopeful that the necessary approvals will arrive in time for their scheduled matches.
Image Source: Free Press Journal
