Ali Khan Reacts With Humor as Visa Denial Jeopardizes World Cup Dream

The upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, has encountered a fresh controversy with reports that four Pakistani-origin cricketers from the United States team have been denied visas to enter India. USA pacer Ali Khan, born in Attock, Punjab, Pakistan, publicly confirmed the development on January 13, 2026, via an Instagram story featuring himself with the lighthearted caption, "India visa denied but KFC for the win." The 35-year-old fast bowler, who has represented the USA in 18 T20Is and taken 16 wickets, later elaborated in a video message that he and three teammates are unable to feature in the tournament due to the visa rejections.

The other affected players are Shayan Jahangir (born in Karachi), Mohammad Mohsin (from Mingora, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Ehsan Adil (from Sheikhupura), all now US citizens and part of the USA's extended squad preparations. Under India's visa regulations for individuals born in Pakistan, applications must be processed using passports from their country of birth, leading to additional scrutiny and potential delays or denials—a policy tightened after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This has historically impacted Pakistani-origin players in past events, including the Zulfiqar brothers in 2019, Shiraz Ahmed in 2023, and others like Usman Khawaja and England's Rehan Ahmed.

The issue poses a significant challenge for the USA team, which earned direct qualification for the 2026 edition after reaching the Super Eights in 2024, including a memorable upset victory over Pakistan. USA is scheduled to play three of its four group-stage matches in India, starting with the tournament opener against the hosts in Mumbai on February 7. The denial could weaken their bowling attack, as Ali Khan remains a key pace option with experience in major leagues like the CPL, MLC, and ILT20.

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While some reports suggest the players are awaiting final clearance following embassy appointments in Sri Lanka, the development adds to broader visa concerns for associate nations with Pakistani-origin players, including the UAE, Oman, Canada, and others. The ICC, which is overseeing USA Cricket's operations amid administrative issues, has not yet issued an official statement, but the situation underscores ongoing diplomatic and logistical hurdles in international cricket tournaments hosted in India. All eyes remain on whether resolutions can be found in time to ensure full participation.

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