![Ali Khan was not denied Indian Visa for T20 World Cup. [Source - @usacricket/Instagram]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768371741198_AliKhanforUSA.jpg?type=hq)
Ali Khan was not denied Indian Visa for T20 World Cup. [Source - @usacricket/Instagram]
News reports and social media posts recently claimed that Pakistan-origin USA cricketers were denied visas to travel to India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The claim spread quickly and caused confusion among cricket fans worldwide.
The rumour gained momentum especially after USA fast bowler Ali Khan posted an Instagram story suggesting his visa had been denied. That single post led to widespread speculation, with many assuming India had officially rejected the players’ visa applications.
However, a closer look at verified information shows that the claims are misleading. There has been no visa denial. The players are currently undergoing a standard review process that applies to many cricketers of Pakistani origin travelling to India.
What actually happened at the Visa appointment for USA’s Pakistan origin cricketers
As reported by Cricbuzz, four USA players of Pakistani origin in Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin and Ehsan Adil attended scheduled visa appointments at the Indian High Commission in Colombo on Tuesday. They are in Sri Lanka with the USA squad for final tournament preparations.
At the appointment, visas were not issued immediately as the officials informed the players that processing could not be completed at that stage. Importantly, there was no rejection or refusal for their Indian Visas during the visit.
Later the same day, USA team management received confirmation that some documents had been accepted, while additional clearance was awaited from India’s Foreign Ministry. The applications remain active and under review.
Why this is a standard process, not a rejection of Indian Visa for Pakistan origin cricketers
Visa applications involving individuals of Pakistani origin usually go through extra security checks. This has been a long-standing and standard procedure followed by Indian authorities. It applies regardless of nationality, profession, or profile in sports, and does not mean an automatic rejection of the application.
In the past, well-known international cricketers like Moeen Ali, Shoaib Bashir and Usman Khawaja have faced similar visa delays when travelling to India. Their cases also required multiple departmental clearances, which took extra time before final approval was given.
In this case, the USA players submitted all required documents correctly and within deadlines. The visa process is handled entirely by Indian government departments and functions independently from the ICC, tournament organisers, or any cricket boards.
Final Verdict: Rumour vs reality
The claim that USA players were “denied” visas is false. The reality is that their applications are under routine review, a process that takes time and applies equally to players from other teams which have Pakistan origin cricketers.
Countries like UAE, Canada, Oman and Italy also have Pakistan-origin players expected to undergo identical procedures. No team has been given special treatment or rejection.
Until official confirmation is issued, speculation remains premature. The situation reflects administrative delay, not political or sporting exclusion making this a clear case of misinformation amplified by social media.
