New Delhi, January 13, 2026: A number of Pakistan-origin cricketers, including players representing the United States of America (USA), have reportedly been denied Indian visas ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled from February 7 to March 8.
Ali Khan, 36, born in Attock, Pakistan, and now representing the USA, shared on Instagram that he was denied an Indian visa. Posting a photo with fellow cricketer Shayan Jahangir, he wrote: “Indian visa denied.” The post quickly drew attention from cricket fans worldwide, highlighting the challenges faced by players of Pakistani descent.
Other players reportedly affected include Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin. Media reports indicate that several associate national teams, including Italy, Oman, UAE, Canada, and the USA, have players of Pakistani origin or dual nationality encountering similar difficulties obtaining Indian visas. The cricket boards of these nations have formally approached the ICC for guidance but are yet to receive responses or assurances from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The USA squad set to compete in the tournament includes four Pakistani-origin players. Ali Khan has represented the USA in 15 ODIs and 18 T20Is, claiming 49 wickets across both formats. Karachi-born Shayan Jahangir, 31, has played 32 ODIs, scoring 795 runs—including two centuries and three fifties—and 19 T20Is, scoring 371 runs at a strike rate of 134.42.
Ehsan Adil, a former Pakistan international who played three Tests and six ODIs, will make his USA debut in the upcoming World Cup. Peshawar-born Mohammad Mohsin, who has played two matches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Peshawar Zalmi, is also set to represent the USA.
The USA team will compete in its second ICC T20 World Cup, following a memorable 2024 appearance where they defeated 2009 champions Pakistan in a Super Over. Drawn in Group A, the USA will face hosts India, Pakistan, Namibia, and the Netherlands. Their campaign begins against India on February 7, followed by matches against Pakistan on February 10, the Netherlands on February 13, and Namibia on February 15.
The visa denials raise concerns over the participation of key players and could impact the USA team’s preparations ahead of their high-profile matches.
