USA's Ali Khan Denied India Visa for T20 World Cup 2026 | Quick Digest
USA fast bowler Ali Khan publicly stated his Indian visa was denied for the T20 World Cup 2026, affecting his participation. Three other Pakistan-origin USA players also face visa issues. This highlights recurring challenges for players born in Pakistan seeking Indian entry.
USA pacer Ali Khan confirmed India visa denial via Instagram.
Three other Pakistan-origin USA players also face visa complications.
Visa issues stem from India's specific rules for Pakistan-born individuals.
ICC is actively involved in resolving the visa concerns for affected players.
USA is set to play key T20 World Cup matches in India starting February 7.
Similar visa delays have impacted Pakistan-origin players previously.
USA fast bowler Ali Khan has publicly claimed that his Indian visa application for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has been denied, raising significant concerns about his participation. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to commence on February 7, 2026. Khan, who was born in Pakistan, shared the update via an Instagram story, stating, 'India visa denied but KFC for the win.'
Reports indicate that three other Pakistan-origin USA cricketers—Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil—are also encountering similar visa challenges or delays in obtaining clearance to travel to India. This situation is attributed to India's specific visa regulations, which mandate that individuals born in Pakistan must apply using their passport from their country of birth, regardless of their current nationality. This process often entails additional security checks and extended processing times.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly assisting the affected teams and players in navigating the visa procedures, expressing optimism for a resolution. The timing of these visa complications is particularly critical for the USA squad, as their T20 World Cup schedule includes crucial group matches on Indian soil, starting with their opening fixture against hosts India on February 7 in Mumbai. This incident is not unprecedented, as Pakistan-origin players representing other national teams have faced similar visa delays or denials for past cricket tournaments held in India, highlighting a recurring diplomatic and logistical hurdle in international cricket.
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