Mumbai, Jan 14 (NationPress) A representative from the United States cricket community has refuted allegations that four players of Pakistani descent were denied visas by India for the upcoming 2026 Twenty20 World Cup. Instead, the official stated that the visa applications are currently experiencing delays and have not been outright denied, according to a news report.

The USA fast bowler Ali Khan had asserted in a video shared on social media that four Pakistani-origin players, including himself, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil, were refused visas for their travel to India for the Men's 2026 T20 World Cup, which is set to take place alongside Sri Lanka starting February 7, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).

“I clarify that the visa issue is being managed by the USA cricket association, which operates under the International Cricket Council (ICC). It was mistakenly communicated by one player that the visa was denied,” a US official disclosed to www.telecomasia.net on the condition of anonymity.

As reported, all four players whose visas are currently 'delayed' were born in Pakistan but are now citizens of the United States. However, in accordance with India's visa regulations, individuals born in Pakistan must submit their visa applications using their country of birth passport.

One of the players mentioned by Ali confirmed to www.telecomasia.net that the visas are indeed delayed and still being processed, not rejected.

With India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the Twenty20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8, this visa situation may continue to attract media attention in the days ahead.

This issue could potentially impact players from around eight nations, as in addition to the United States, players from the UAE, Oman, Nepal, Canada, England, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands have Pakistani-origin players. Reports indicate that this list may expand, with Italy likely having a player of Pakistani descent as well.

ICC sources have also confirmed to www.telecomasia.net that special instructions have been dispatched to all Indian embassies and High Commissions to treat this matter as a priority and to accommodate players of Pakistani origin. “We have issued special guidelines to Indian embassies and are optimistic that there will be no visa-related issues,” sources stated.

Pakistani-origin players have faced visa challenges in the past, including the Zulfiqar brothers - Sikander and Saqib - who were denied visas in 2019, while another player, Shiraz Ahmed, experienced a visa delay during the 2023 World Cup.

Additionally, Australia’s opener Usman Khawaja (2017) and England's spinners - Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Basheer (2024) - have also encountered visa complications historically.

Sources within the International Cricket Council have indicated they are supporting teams in securing visas, but the latest situation has increased their responsibilities.