Pakistani-born USA pacer Ali Khan denied Indian visa for T20 World Cup; three others reportedly in same boat – Firstpost
The International Cricket Council faces even more headache after Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with USA’s Pakistani-born pacer Ali Khan having reportedly been denied an Indian visa.
Khan, who was born in Attock in Pakistan’s Punjab province, shared a clip of himself eating fried chicken on Instagram Stores on Tuesday with the caption “India visa denied but KFC for the win”.
According to an Instagram story by USA's Ali Khan, the speedy bowler's application for an Indian visa to travel with USA to the T20 World Cup next month has been denied. Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil & Mohammad Mohsin in the same boat. Would be a major blow to USA's Super 8 chances. pic.twitter.com/3FNAJGAKMi
— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) January 13, 2026STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The 35-year-old as represented the United States in 15 ODIs and 18 T20Is, collecting 33 and 16 wickets respectively. He was also part of the American side that co-hosted the T20 World Cup in 2024 and advanced to the Super 8s after defeating former champions Pakistan during the group stage.
Khan had also become the first ever American cricketer in the Indian Premier League after being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for England pacer Harry Gurney in 2020.
Three other USA cricketers or Pakistani-origin in the same boat as Khan
USA, meanwhile, are once again included in the same group as India and Pakistan in the ICC’s showpiece T20 event, and begin their campaign against the Men in Blue – who are co-hosting the tournament along with Sri Lanka – at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on 7 February, the opening day.
The Americans then travel to Sri Lanka, where they face Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on 10 February, before returning to India for their remaining group matches, facing Netherlands (13 February) and Namibia (15 February) at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.
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According to journalist Peter Della Penna, three other members of the US mannschaft with Pakistani heritage – Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin – are facing a similar challenge.
And though USA are yet to unveil their squad for the World Cup, the unavailability of Khan and other Pakistani-origin cricketers could present a serious challenge for the Monank Patel-led side.
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The ICC, who currently are trying to get the Bangladesh Cricket Board to change their mind on refusing to travel to India, could end up offering its assistance to the Americans in order to ensure they don’t face any issues with regards to travel and logistics.
This is not the first instance of cricketers of Pakistani origin struggling to get an Indian visa. England's Shoaib Bashir had faced similar trouble during the 2024 tour of India, and was forced to miss the series opener in Hyderabad as a result.
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