Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 14th January 2026, 12:28 AM
In a development that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, Ali Khan, the premier fast bowler for the United States national team, has been denied a visa to enter India. The announcement came directly from the player via his verified Instagram account on Monday, sparking intense debate regarding the geopolitical hurdles that continue to plague international sports.
According to reports from the Times of India and other major outlets, Ali Khan is not the only member of the American squad facing diplomatic roadblocks. Three other teammates—Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil, and Mohammad Mohsin—have also had their visa applications rejected.
The situation is particularly complex due to the players’ varying legal statuses. While Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin are Pakistani passport holders living in the US, both Ali Khan and Shayan Jahangir are naturalised US citizens and hold American passports. Despite their official status as Americans, the denial of entry is widely believed to be linked to their place of birth: Pakistan.
The US squad is currently on a tour of Sri Lanka, fine-tuning their skills ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Of the 18-member touring party, these four players now find themselves sidelined from the Indian leg of their preparations.
| Player Name | Citizenship | Professional Standing | World Cup Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Khan | United States | 99 T20s, 93 Wickets | Key Strike Bowler |
| Shayan Jahangir | United States | Top-order Batter | Core Squad Member |
| Ehsan Adil | Pakistan (US Resident) | Former Pakistan International | Selection Contender |
| Mohammad Mohsin | Pakistan (US Resident) | Leg-spinner | Selection Contender |
The exclusion of Ali Khan is especially significant given his extensive experience in elite franchise cricket. He has been a globetrotting “gun for hire,” featuring in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the International League T20 (ILT20).
Notably, Khan has a history with Indian cricket; he was once signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the first American to join an IPL roster, though he did not get a game. His statistics reflect a high-calibre performer:
ODIs: 15 matches, 33 wickets.
T20Is: 18 matches, 16 wickets.
Career T20s: 99 matches, 93 wickets.
The timing could not be more critical. In the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, the United States has been placed in Group A, a “Group of Death” featuring co-hosts India, as well as Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia. If visa issues persist, the US team risks being severely depleted when facing the world’s top-ranked sides on Indian soil.
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