The International Cricket Council intervened to expedite visa approvals for Pakistani-origin cricketers participating in the T20 World Cup 2026 after the issue escalated following an Instagram post by USA fast bowler Ali Khan. The Pakistan-born pacer shared that his Indian visa application had been rejected, posting “India visa denied but KFC for the win” with teammate Shayan Jahangir.
The revelation exposed broader difficulties confronting numerous players of Pakistani heritage across different national squads, occurring against the backdrop of escalating political tensions between India and Pakistan. The situation compelled the ICC to establish direct communication channels with Indian High Commissions globally, working to secure visa approvals for all affected players ahead of the January 31 cutoff date.
Pakistani-Origin Players in T20 World Cup Squads
Several teams competing in the T20 World Cup feature players of Pakistani origin or nationality, creating complex visa requirements.
| Team | Players of Pakistani Origin | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| England | 1. Adil Rashid 2. Rehan Ahmed 3. Saqib Mahmood | All three have received their Indian visas |
| USA | 1. Ali Khan 2. Shayan Jahangir 3. Mohammad Mohsin 4. Ehsan Adil | • Ali Khan – born in Attock, Punjab• Shayan Jahangir – born in Karachi• Mohammad Mohsin – born in Mingora, KP• Ehsan Adil – former Pakistan Test cricketer (born in Sheikhupura, played 3 Tests & 6 ODIs for Pakistan 2013-15) |
| Netherlands | Saqib Zulfiqar | Visa already received |
| Italy | 1. Zain Ali 2. Ali Hasan 3. Syed Naqvi | Visa appointments scheduled |
| Bangladesh | Mushtaq Ahmed (Coaching Staff) | Former Pakistan leg-spinner, now part of Bangladesh’s coaching team |
| Canada | Shah Saleem Zafar (Support Staff) | Staff member, visa already received |
The United States squad includes four such players: Ali Khan, born in Attock, Punjab; Shayan Jahangir from Karachi; former Pakistan international Ehsan Adil, who played three Tests for Pakistan; and Mohammad Mohsin from Peshawar. All four attended visa appointments at the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka on January 13, with their applications currently under review by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Similarly, associate nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Canada, and Oman, have squad members with Pakistani connections who require visa clearances. The ICC has scheduled appointments for these players for early next week, with officials expressing confidence that all pending cases will be processed smoothly within established timelines. The Netherlands squad and Canada staff member Shah Saleem Zafar have already received their visas, marking significant early progress in the facilitation process.
England’s Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid initially faced visa delays to India due to their Pakistani heritage, though both have now been cleared following ICC intervention. Such cases often face extra scrutiny from multiple Indian government departments, with final approval from the Ministry of External Affairs, similar to past issues involving Usman Khawaja (2017) and Shoaib Bashir (2024).
