Visa Uncertainty Adds to T20 World Cup Controversy

Published On: January 22, 2026

A fresh controversy has emerged ahead of the T20 World Cup, as Pakistan, India, and the United States have been placed in the same group, creating early tension even before the tournament begins.

According to Indian media reports, the T20 World Cup is set to start on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka serving as joint hosts. However, disputes have already surfaced, raising concerns over the smooth conduct of the event.

Also read

How to Change CNIC Photo Online: NADRA Explains Step-by-Step Process

Private School Students Finally Included in Punjab’s Laptop Scheme

Visa Uncertainty Adds to T20 World Cup Controversy

The United States is scheduled to begin its campaign against host nation India on February 7 in Mumbai, but uncertainty surrounding visa approvals for American players has complicated matters. This issue surfaced while the dispute between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over venue relocation is still unresolved.

Just as the Bangladesh-related issue appeared to be ongoing, a new visa controversy involving the USA cricket team has come to light. Reports indicate that three additional players of Pakistani origin are facing delays in receiving their Indian work visas.

This development follows a similar situation faced by fast bowler Ali Khan, who encountered difficulties after scheduled appointments at the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

According to a report by cricket news website Cricbuzz, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil are still awaiting visa clearance to travel to India for the ICC tournament. The US team is currently in Sri Lanka, completing the final phase of its World Cup preparations.

Other team members reportedly completed their visa appointments on Tuesday. While no visa application has been officially rejected so far, four players’ applications remain under review.

ICC sources confirmed that all required documentation was submitted before the appointments. Sources added that the players had meetings scheduled at the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka earlier today, during which they were informed that the visa process could not be completed at that time.

Later in the evening, US cricket officials reportedly received a call from the Indian Embassy stating that some required information had been received, while additional details were still awaited from the Ministry of External Affairs. Once the process is completed, further instructions will be shared.

The report clarified that additional scrutiny in special-category cases is a routine procedure under Indian government protocols. However, the situation escalated after Ali Khan posted on social media, claiming that his visa had been rejected, which sparked widespread controversy.