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US Cricketers of Pakistani Origin Denied Indian Visas for T20 World Cup

Four Pakistani-origin cricketers selected for the US team have been denied Indian visas, jeopardizing their participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The players, all US citizens born in Pakistan, must apply for Indian visas using their Pakistani birth passports according to Indian rules. This issue extends beyond the US, potentially affecting players from eight other competing nations with Pakistani-origin athletes. The International Cricket Council is assisting teams with visa logistics, though this latest case has increased their workload.

Key Points: Pakistani-Origin US Cricketers Denied Indian Visa for T20 WC

  • Visa denial threatens T20 World Cup participation
  • Issue affects players from 8 other nations
  • ICC assisting teams with visa workload
  • Past instances of similar visa problems
2 min read

Men's T20 World Cup: Four Pakistani-origin US cricketers denied visa to travel to India: Report

Four US cricketers of Pakistani origin denied Indian visas, threatening their T20 World Cup participation. ICC assisting teams amid visa hurdles.

"Yes, it is true that three Pakistani-origin players are denied an Indian visa - Ali Khan"

Mumbai, Jan 13

Four Pakistani-origin cricketers, who were picked to be part of the United States team, have been denied visas to visit India, which now threatens their participation in next month's Twenty20 World Cup, a news report claimed on Tuesday.

One of the players told Telecom Asia Sport that he, along with three others, has been denied visas to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

"Yes, it is true that three Pakistani-origin players are denied an Indian visa, which means we are unable to feature in the Twenty20 World Cup," pacer Ali Khan told (www.telecomasia.net) in a video message.

The other three players named in the 20-man USA squad for the T20 World Cup are Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil, the report claimed.

According to the report, all three were born in Pakistan but are now US citizens. Under India's visa rules, all Pakistan-born people have to apply for a visa using their passport from their country of birth.

The issue means eight countries will be affected by this problem, besides the USA, players from the UAE, Oman, Nepal, Canada, England, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands have players of Pakistani origin.

Adil was born in Sheikhupura and played three Tests and six ODIs for Pakistan between 2013 and 2015. He migrated to the USA four years ago and plays for Kingsmen USA. Khan was born in Attock in Punjab, Shayan in Karachi, and Mohsin in Mingora in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The report also claimed that the issue has haunted Pakistani-origin players in the past, too, with Zulfiqar brothers -- Sikander and Saqib -- denied a visa in 2019, while another player, Shiraz Ahmed's visa delayed for the 2023 World Cup. Australia's opener Usman Khawaja (2017) and England spinners -- Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Basheer (2024) -- have also faced visa problems in the past.

Sources in the International Cricket Council have said they are helping teams in acquiring visas, but the latest issue has increased their workload.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I feel for the players, we have to understand the security protocols. The rules are clear for Pakistan-born individuals. It's a sensitive issue, and the authorities have to be cautious. The teams knew this could happen; they should have applied much earlier.
A
Aman W
Typical bureaucratic red tape. It's the same story every time there's a tournament in India. The system needs to be streamlined for sporting events. This just gives a bad name to our hosting capabilities. Get it sorted, babus!
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan, this is disappointing. The World Cup is about the best competing. Denying players over paperwork hurts the tournament's quality. The ICC should have a special fast-track process for accredited athletes.
V
Vikram M
National security comes first, yaar. We cannot compromise on that. The rules are the same for everyone. If they have followed the process correctly and in time, they will get the visa. Let's not jump to conclusions.
K
Kavya N
Feel bad for the USA team. They worked so hard to qualify and now their key players might miss out. Hope our government shows some flexibility for the sake of sportsmanship. Atithi Devo Bhava should apply to athletes too.

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