Former Pakistan pacer replaces India-origin USA bowler in T20 World Cup

Jasdeep Singh [Source: AFP]

In a significant development ahead of a high-profile match, the United States of America (USA) have announced Pakistan-origin fast bowler Ehsan Adil as the replacement for Indian-origin pacer Jasdeep Singh in their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, Adil has previously represented Pakistan, featuring in nine international matches.

The move comes just before USA’s crucial match against Pakistan, scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Colombo. This change was necessitated after Singh was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Jasdeep Singh ruled out with shoulder injury

It is important to note that Jasdeep Singh was part of the USA lineup until he sustained a right shoulder injury during a warm-up match against New Zealand on February 5. 

As a result, he was declared unfit to take further part in the tournament. Consequently, his absence created a sudden vacancy in the squad at a critical stage of the competition.

The injury not only ended Singh’s World Cup campaign prematurely but also forced the USA to look for an experienced replacement who could adapt quickly to international pressure.

ICC Event Technical Committee approves change

Following Jasdeep Singh’s injury, the Event Technical Committee (ETC) of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approved Ehsan Adil’s inclusion, which is a mandatory requirement for all tournament replacements. 

The ETC comprises Wasim Khan, Gaurav Saxena, Hemang Amin, and former South Africa pacer Shaun Pollock. Their approval cleared the way for Adil to officially join the USA squad. 

Experience boost for USA bowling attack

It is important to note that Ehsan Adil’s inclusion brings valuable international experience to the American side. Having previously represented Pakistan in three Tests and six ODIs, Adil offers a wealth of knowledge and exposure at the highest level. 

Although he is yet to make his debut for the USA, his presence adds depth and confidence to the squad.

USA begin T20 World Cup campaign with loss against India

Meanwhile, the USA’s tournament campaign began with a 29-run defeat against India at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. Despite moments of resilience, the Americans were outplayed by a disciplined Indian side

Talking about the match, the USA’s decision to field first paid early dividends as India were restricted to 161/9. Nevertheless, Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes to push India beyond the 160-run mark.

Meanwhile, chasing a target of 162, the USA were bowled out for 132/8 in their allotted 20 overs. However, the innings was briefly stabilised by a 58-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthi. 

This stand came after USA had slumped to 13/3 within 3.2 overs, as Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh tore through the top order.

The partnership ended in the 12th over when Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Kumar for 34. Thereafter, Krishnamurthi added 27 runs with Shubham Ranjane before falling to Axar Patel for 37 off 31 balls. Although wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, Ranjane fought until the final delivery, where he was trapped lbw by Mohammed Siraj. 

USA squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Monank Patel (C), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane and Ehsan Adil