The United States cricket team has suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with multiple players reportedly failing to obtain Indian visas for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Star pacer Ali Khan confirmed that his visa application was rejected, putting his participation in doubt. Born in Pakistan, Ali Khan is a vital cog in the USA bowling unit, and his potential absence would be a significant blow to the side’s campaign.
Concerns have deepened as reports indicate that Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin have also been denied visas. With the tournament set to begin on February 7, the USA team now faces uncertainty just days before the global event.
The situation has created anxiety within the American camp, which had been preparing to compete with a full-strength squad. Losing several experienced players at this stage could severely affect the team’s balance and chances on the world stage.
The issue is not limited to the USA alone. Players of Pakistani origin or those holding Pakistani passports from other associate nations, including the UAE, Oman, Italy and Canada, are reportedly facing similar visa hurdles, delaying the finalisation of their squads.
Cricket boards from the affected nations have approached the ICC seeking urgent intervention, but clarity is still awaited. The ongoing uncertainty has raised concerns about last-minute disruptions and their impact on the competitiveness of the tournament.
With the World Cup fast approaching, pressure is mounting on the ICC and organisers to resolve the matter swiftly and ensure smooth participation for all qualified teams.
