While there is no official confirmation of this latest development as yet, but it seems that Pakistan-born USA pacer Ali Khan has been denied the Indian visa for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is scheduled to take place in IND and SL jointly, from Feb 7. Meanwhile USA is to take on India on the same day, in their opening encounter.
No visa to Pakistan-origin players?
Ali Khan was part of the 2024 T20 World Cup team for USA, and had some good performances. In fact, he had done reasonably well against Pakistan, as USA went on to beat the Asian giants. The 35-year-old pacer took to Instagram and announced, “India visa denied but KFC for the win.”
USA in tight spot for T20 World Cup
In fact, it is speculated, that there could be more Pakistani-origin players, whose visa might have been denied.
The USA are part of the same group as India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands. They play against India on Feb 7 in Mumbai, followed by Pakistan on Feb 10 in Colombo, followed by Netherlands and Namibia on 13th & 15th, respectively.
Coming back to the USA vs Pakistan encounter couple of years back, the minnows had won comprehensively by seven wickets, chasing 160. Nosthush Kenjige had returned with figures of 3/30 to restrict the Pakistanis. In reply, Monank Patel scored a 38-ball 50, with Andries Gous chipping in with 35, and Aaron Jones with 36.
Now, it will be an uphill task for USA, to replicate their showing from the previous World Cup, that was jointly held in USA and the Caribbean.
Cricket
Shocking! Jitesh Sharma came to know of T20 World Cup 2026 snub from press conference
