USA cricketers Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir denied Indian visas ahead of T20 World Cup

Pakistan-origin USA pacer Ali Khan and batter Shayan Jahangir have reportedly been denied Indian visas ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled from February 7 to March 8.

Ali Khan highlighted the situation in a recent social media post, sharing a picture of himself and Shayan enjoying a meal, with the caption: "Indian visa denied but KFC for the win."

The post quickly drew attention from cricket fans worldwide, underscoring the ongoing visa challenges faced by players of Pakistani descent.

Media reports also revealed that several associate nation teams—including Italy, Oman, UAE, Canada and the USA—have players of Pakistani origin or dual nationality who are reportedly encountering difficulties obtaining Indian visas.

The cricket boards of these nations have formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) for guidance but have yet to receive any response or assurance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

For the unversed, the current USA team set to participate in the aforementioned tournament has four Pakistani players ready to make their mark.

The 35-year-old Pakistan-born pacer 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 for the USA, scoring 795 runs, including two centuries and three fifties, while in T20Is, he has scored 371 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate of 134.42, including two fifties.

Ehsan Adil, who previously played for Pakistan in three Tests and six ODIs, will make his USA debut in the upcoming tournament.

Peshawar-born Mohammad Mohsin, with limited Pakistan Super League (PSL) experience playing for Peshawar Zalmi in two matches, is also set to represent the USA on the international stage.

The USA team is set to compete in their second ICC T20 World Cup, following a memorable appearance in 2024 when they defeated 2009 champions Pakistan via a Super Over.

The team is drawn in Group A alongside 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.