Why Were Four Pakistani-Origin US Cricketers Denied Visas to India?
Synopsis
Four Pakistani-origin cricketers selected for the US team face visa issues that could bar them from participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup in India. This situation highlights ongoing challenges for athletes with Pakistani roots in international sports.
Key Takeaways
Four Pakistani-origin cricketers from the USA denied visas.
Visa regulations complicate participation in international sports.
Previous instances of visa issues for Pakistani-origin players.
Impacts players from multiple countries .
ICC's role in assisting teams with visa applications .
Mumbai, Jan 13 (NationPress) Four cricketers of Pakistani descent who were selected to represent the United States have faced visa denials for travel to India, jeopardizing their chance to compete in next month’s Twenty20 World Cup, as reported on Tuesday.
One of the athletes revealed to Telecom Asia Sport that he and three teammates have been barred from obtaining visas necessary for their trip to India for the T20 World Cup, which is a collaborative event being hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
“It is indeed accurate that three players of Pakistani origin have not received Indian visas, thus preventing us from participating in the Twenty20 World Cup,“ stated pacer Ali Khan in a video message on (www.telecomasia.net).
The other three members of the 20-man USA squad for the T20 World Cup include Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil, as reported.
As per the report, all three players were born in Pakistan but are now citizens of the USA. According to India’s visa regulations, individuals born in Pakistan must apply for visas using their country of birth's passport.
This situation affects not just the USA, but also impacts players from eight other countries, including the UAE, Oman, Nepal, Canada, England, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands, where players of Pakistani descent are involved.
Ehsan Adil, hailing from Sheikhupura, represented Pakistan in three Tests and six ODIs between 2013 and 2015 before relocating to the USA four years ago to play for Kingsmen USA. Khan was born in Attock, Shayan in Karachi, and Mohsin in Mingora, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The issue is not new; it has previously troubled players of Pakistani descent, as seen with the Zulfiqar brothers—Sikander and Saqib—who were refused visas in 2019. Another player, Shiraz Ahmed, faced delays in his visa for the 2023 World Cup. Other notable players, such as Usman Khawaja from Australia and Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Basheer from England, have also encountered visa-related issues in the past.
As per sources within the International Cricket Council, they are currently assisting teams in the visa application process, but this latest incident has intensified their workload.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the complexities surrounding visa applications for athletes with roots in Pakistan. The ongoing challenges not only affect individual players but also the representation of diverse talent in international sports. As we navigate these issues, it is essential to advocate for fair treatment and inclusivity across all sports.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the US cricketers denied visas?
The cricketers were denied visas due to India's regulations requiring individuals born in Pakistan to apply with their original passports.
How many players are affected by this issue?
Four players from the US team have been denied visas, impacting their participation in the T20 World Cup.
What is the significance of the T20 World Cup?
The T20 World Cup is a major international cricket tournament, bringing together teams from around the world to compete at the highest level.
What can be done to resolve this visa issue?
Advocacy for policy changes and better communication between cricket boards and immigration authorities may help alleviate future visa complications.
Have similar visa issues occurred before?
Yes, several players of Pakistani origin have faced visa challenges in past international tournaments.
