Pakistan-origin USA cricketer Ali Khan denied India visa ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Published - 13 Jan 2026, 17:09 IST | Updated - 13 Jan 2026, 17:35 IST

USA fast bowler Ali Khan has been denied an Indian visa ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Pakistan-born pacer confirmed the development through a social media post, less than a month before the tournament begins, raising questions around his participation in the India leg of the competition.

Ali Khan, born in Attock City in Pakistan’s Punjab province, represents the USA and has been one of their most experienced bowlers in white-ball cricket. The 35-year-old took to Instagram, posting a picture with the caption, “India visa denied but KFC for the win,” confirming that his application had been rejected.

While neither USA Cricket nor the ICC has issued an official statement yet, reports state that additional checks linked to his birthplace may have contributed to the delay or denial. Notably, players of Pakistani origin have faced longer processing times for Indian visas, even when holding citizenship of another country, due to additional documentation requirements.

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The pacer has featured in 15 ODIs and 18 T20Is, picking up 33 wickets in ODIs and 16 wickets in T20Is so far. During the T20 World Cup 2024, he made a strong impact in Group A matches, dismissing Rishabh Pant against India and Fakhar Zaman against Pakistan.

He has also been a regular name in franchise cricket, having played 99 T20 matches with 93 wickets to his credit. He previously represented Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Gulf Giants in the ILT20 and was once signed by Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement player, although he did not feature in a match.

Meanwhile, the USA is placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Namibia, and the Netherlands. The Americans are scheduled to play three of their four group matches in India, starting with the opening game against hosts India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, followed by matches in Chennai. Reports have also stated that other USA players, including Shayan Jahangir and Ehsan Adil, may be facing similar visa-related issues, though no official confirmation has been made.