The USA cricket team has been hit by a potential major setback ahead of the ICC 2026 T20 World Cup, after fast bowler Ali Khan claimed his Indian visa application has been rejected.
In an Instagram story, Ali Khan said he has been denied a visa to travel with the USA squad for the tournament next month. He added that Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil, and Mohammad Mohsin are facing the same issue, raising concerns over the team’s options as the event draws closer.
If the situation isn’t resolved in time, it could significantly weaken the USA’s campaign, especially with the tournament structure set up in a way where even a strong group-stage run can be undone by a disrupted squad during the Super Eight phase.
The development comes amid broader concerns surrounding visa facilitation for players of Pakistani origin or those travelling on Pakistani passports.
Sources familiar with the issue say multiple boards from teams participating in the event have raised the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC), but have not received a clear response or assurance regarding visa processing for affected players.
Several associate teams in the tournament reportedly have players who could be impacted, including UAE, Oman, Italy, Canada, and the USA, due to the presence of cricketers of Pakistani background or Pakistani passport holders in their squads. Past incidents involving visa delays and refusals for such players have also added to the uncertainty, prompting boards to push for clarity well before the tournament begins.
The 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March. The tournament will feature 20 teams, divided into five groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, which begins 21 February in Colombo and runs until 1 March, with matches also scheduled in Kolkata.
The knockout rounds will follow shortly after, with semi-finals set for 3 March and 5 March, and the final scheduled for 8 March, to be played in either Ahmedabad or Colombo.
For the USA, the uncertainty over key squad members, particularly experienced options like Ali Khan, could become a serious issue if travel clearance is not secured soon.