Visa-related concerns have intensified for the USA men’s cricket team ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India, with three more Pakistan-born players awaiting clearance to travel to the host nation.
The development follows a similar issue faced by USA fast bowler Ali Khan, whose visa processing was delayed after a scheduled appointment at the Indian High Commission in Colombo earlier this week.
Players Awaiting Visa Clearance
According to a report, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin and Ehsan Adil are currently awaiting visa approvals to enter India for the global tournament, which is set to begin early next month.
The entire USA squad is presently in Sri Lanka for its final phase of World Cup preparations. While the rest of the team has completed visa formalities, the applications of four players, including Ali Khan, remain under review.
Applications Under Standard Review Process
Sources confirmed that there have been no formal visa rejections so far. The pending cases are reportedly being processed under established operating procedures, which apply to certain special-category applicants.
All required documentation was submitted in advance as per ICC guidelines, officials said. Following the visa appointments, USA team management was informed that some information had been received, while additional inputs were still awaited from the Ministry of External Affairs. Once the process is complete, the players are expected to be contacted for the next steps.
Past Precedents and Administrative Timelines
While Ali Khan’s social media post referring to a “visa denial” triggered online speculation, officials clarified that extended review timelines are not uncommon in such cases. Several international cricketers, including Moeen Ali, Shoaib Bashir and Usman Khawaja, have previously undergone similar procedures due to additional administrative clearances required for players of Pakistan origin, irrespective of national team representation.
Such cases often involve multiple departments and may take longer than routine visa processing timelines.
World Cup Campaign Ahead
The visa uncertainty comes at a crucial time as the USA prepares for its T20 World Cup campaign. The team has been drawn in a competitive group alongside India and Pakistan and is scheduled to begin its tournament on February 7 in Mumbai, facing the defending champions.
Tournament organizers and stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely as preparations for the marquee event progress.
