Indian Visa Delayed, Not Rejected: USA Cricket Responds to Ali Khan Claim

Indian Visa Delayed, Not Rejected: USA Cricket Clarifies Viral Claims Ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

A controversy surrounding visa approvals ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup has drawn widespread attention after a USA-based cricketer claimed that India had denied visas to several players. However, officials from USA Cricket have stepped in to clarify that the situation involves delays, not rejections, easing immediate fears of player exclusion from the global tournament.

The clarification comes after a social media video went viral in which fast bowler Ali Khan stated that he and three other teammates had been refused Indian visas. According to USA Cricket officials, this claim was a misunderstanding, and visa applications remain under active processing.

What Triggered the Visa Controversy

In his video, Ali Khan alleged that he, along with Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil, had been denied visas to travel to India for the upcoming World Cup. The statement quickly spread online, raising concerns about whether players of Pakistani origin would face barriers during the tournament.

The claim was particularly sensitive given the political and diplomatic complexities that often surround sports events in the region. As a result, the issue gained traction across cricketing and media circles.

USA Cricket’s Clarification

A senior USA Cricket official, speaking anonymously, clarified that the Indian visa process is being handled by the International Cricket Council, not directly by individual boards or players. According to the official, the visas have not been rejected but are delayed due to additional verification procedures.

The official emphasized that the message shared publicly by one player incorrectly conveyed the status of the applications, creating unnecessary alarm.

Why Visas Are Taking Longer

Reports indicate that all four players were born in Pakistan but are now citizens of the United States. Under India’s visa regulations, individuals born in Pakistan are required to apply using special documentation linked to their country of birth, regardless of current citizenship.

This additional layer of scrutiny often leads to longer processing times. One of the players named in the viral claim later confirmed that their visa was still in process and had not been rejected.

Broader Implications for the T20 World Cup

The issue is not limited to the United States team. As India and Sri Lanka prepare to co-host the T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8, visa procedures are expected to come under increased scrutiny.

Players from several other countries may also be affected by similar delays, including teams from the UAE, Oman, Nepal, Canada, England, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, and potentially Italy. With multiple teams traveling across borders, visa coordination has become a major logistical challenge.

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ICC’s Role and Special Instructions

Sources within the ICC have indicated that special instructions have been issued to Indian embassies and High Commissions worldwide to handle visas for Pakistan-origin players as a distinct category. These measures are intended to streamline processing and prevent last-minute complications.

The ICC remains optimistic that these directives will help resolve delays well before the tournament begins. However, the situation has undeniably added to the organization’s administrative workload.

A Pattern from the Past

This is not the first time cricket has faced such visa-related challenges. In previous tournaments, Pakistani-origin players and others with complex nationality backgrounds have encountered similar hurdles.

Instances involving players in 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2024 show that visa delays are not uncommon in high-profile international events hosted in the region. These precedents suggest that while delays can cause uncertainty, they do not necessarily result in exclusion.

Balancing Sports and Diplomacy

The current episode highlights the delicate balance between international sports and diplomatic procedures. While cricket aims to unite nations through competition, administrative realities often reflect broader geopolitical considerations.

For players, delayed visas can disrupt preparation and add stress ahead of major tournaments. For governing bodies, ensuring fair participation while complying with national regulations remains a constant challenge.

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What Happens Next

With months still remaining before the start of the T20 World Cup, officials remain confident that the situation will be resolved. The ICC has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting teams with visa acquisition and coordinating with host nations to avoid disruptions.

For now, the key takeaway is clear: Indian Visa Delayed does not mean denied, and the affected USA Cricket players remain hopeful of receiving clearance in time.

As the tournament approaches, the focus will remain on transparency, coordination, and ensuring that the spirit of international cricket is upheld.

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