Ahead of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, several cricketers are grappling with significant delays in obtaining Indian visas. The issue primarily affects players of Pakistani origin from the USA and England teams. USA fast bowler Ali Khan initially stated on social media that his Indian visa was denied, a claim echoed by reports regarding three other Pakistan-born USA players: Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil. However, USA Cricket officials later clarified that these were delays, not outright rejections, and the visa process is ongoing with intervention from USA Cricket, administered by the ICC. The standard Indian visa regulations impose stricter scrutiny and longer processing times for applicants born in Pakistan, irrespective of their current nationality. Similarly, England's preparations have been disrupted as key spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, both of Pakistani heritage, face unforeseen delays in securing their Indian visas. These delays mean they are unlikely to join the squad for crucial warm-up matches in Sri Lanka starting January 22. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is working closely with the Indian government, BCCI, and ICC, also seeking assistance from the UK government to expedite the process. Despite assurances from the Indian government that there are no objections to their applications, the exact timeline for visa clearance remains uncertain, highlighting a recurring challenge for players with Pakistani roots traveling to India for sporting events.