USA fast bowler Ali Khan has revealed that his Indian visa application has been denied less than a month before the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, creating uncertainty around the American team’s preparations for the tournament.
Ali Khan shared the update through an Instagram Story on Monday, writing, “India visa denied but KFC for the win,” while posting a photo of himself eating. The post effectively confirmed that he does not currently have clearance to enter India for the India-based leg of the competition.
The timing of the issue is far from ideal for the USA, whose Group A fixtures are largely scheduled in India. The Americans are set to take on hosts India at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 7, followed by matches in Chennai against the Netherlands and Namibia. Any delay in resolving the visa issue could force last-minute changes to the squad at a stage when teams typically finalize combinations and player roles.
While Ali Khan’s post is the only direct confirmation so far, reports and social media discussions suggest that other USA players of Pakistani origin, including Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin, may also be facing visa-related hurdles. Neither USA Cricket nor the ICC has released an official statement on the matter yet.
Visa complications have been a recurring concern for associate nations ahead of India-hosted matches, particularly for players with Pakistani heritage, as such applications often undergo additional scrutiny. With the tournament fast approaching, unresolved paperwork risks becoming an unwanted distraction.
From a cricketing standpoint, Ali Khan’s absence would be a significant blow for the USA. The fast bowler is a key part of their pace attack, and any disruption could impact bowling plans, especially during the powerplay and death overs.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with appeals or fresh applications likely to determine whether this becomes a temporary setback or a major blow to USA’s World Cup campaign.