Pakistan-Origin US Cricketers Await Indian Visas Before T20 World Cup

Pakistan-Origin US Cricketers Await Indian Visas Ahead of T20 World Cup as Clearance Process Continues

Four Pakistan-origin US cricketers — Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil — are currently awaiting visa clearance to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, following their scheduled appointments at the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

The players are presently in Sri Lanka with the United States squad, where the team is completing the final phase of its preparations for the February tournament. According to reports, the quartet completed their visa appointments on Tuesday, January 13. However, visas were not issued at the appointment stage.

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No Formal Rejection, Applications Still Under Review

Importantly, officials have confirmed that there has been no formal visa rejection. Sources familiar with the matter stated that the applications remain under review and are progressing through standard government procedures.

Officials associated with the International Cricket Council confirmed that all required documentation was submitted correctly and in advance, in line with established protocols for international tournaments.

At the visa appointment, the players were informed that processing could not be completed immediately. Later the same day, USA team management reportedly received communication indicating that while some required information had been received, additional inputs were still awaited from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Once the remaining clearances are completed, the players are expected to be contacted for further steps.

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Routine Process for Special-Category Cases

Officials stressed that the delay should be viewed as part of a routine review process, particularly for special-category cases. Visa applications involving players of Pakistani origin — regardless of their current nationality or the team they represent — typically require additional administrative layers when traveling to India.

Such cases often involve multiple departments and final clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs. This process operates independently of sporting bodies, tournament organizers, or the ICC.

Authorities emphasized that the procedure is being handled strictly in accordance with Indian government protocols.

Social Media Speculation Sparked Attention

The situation gained wider attention after Ali Khan shared an Instagram story referencing a “visa denial,” which led to speculation across social media platforms. However, officials clarified that no official denial has been issued and that the applications remain active.

Cricket administrators and sources close to the matter have urged patience, noting that similar situations in the past have been resolved following due process.

Precedents in International Cricket

Historically, several international cricketers of Pakistani origin have undergone similar visa procedures when traveling to India. In previous years, players such as Moeen Ali, Shoaib Bashir, and Usman Khawaja were subject to comparable administrative reviews before receiving clearance.

These precedents underline that the current situation involving the Pakistan-origin US cricketers is not unusual in the context of international cricket tournaments hosted in India.

Broader Impact on World Cup Preparations

The same visa protocols apply across all participating teams in the T20 World Cup. Squads from nations such as the UAE, Canada, Oman, and Italy also include players of Pakistani origin and are subject to similar procedures.

Cricket officials remain confident that the issue will be resolved in time, allowing all eligible players to participate in the tournament without disruption.

For the USA team, the focus remains on preparation and training, with management staying in close coordination with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to the T20 World Cup continues, clarity on visa approvals is expected once the remaining administrative steps are completed. Until then, officials have reiterated that there is no cause for alarm and that the process is moving forward as per established guidelines.

The situation highlights the complex intersection of sports, diplomacy, and international travel — especially in high-profile global tournaments.

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