Ali Khan’s India visa denied; Pakistan-born US cricketer shares update while enjoying a meal

January 13, 2026

New Delhi: USA fast bowler Ali Khan has revealed that his Indian visa application has been rejected less than a month before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This development has cast uncertainty over the USA team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.

Ali Khan wrote in his Instagram story on Monday, “India Visa Denied, But KFC for the Win,” making it clear that he hasn’t been allowed to travel to India at this time.

This is a crucial time for the USA team, as most of their Group A matches are scheduled to take place in India. The team will face hosts India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7th, followed by matches against the Netherlands and Namibia in Chennai. If the visa issue isn’t resolved quickly, the team may be forced to make last-minute squad changes, a time when combinations and strategies are typically finalized.

Other players may also be affected

Although Ali Khan’s statement is the only official confirmation so far, reports and social media discussions indicate that other American players may face similar issues. Wicketkeeper-batsman Shayan Jahangir and bowlers Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin have also been named.

However, no official statement has yet been issued by USA Cricket or the ICC, and the full details of the cases are unclear.

Visa-related concerns already existed for some associate teams prior to matches in India, particularly for players with Pakistani backgrounds or whose documents contain Pakistani-related details. Such cases typically require additional scrutiny, prolonging the process.

Could be a major setback for the team’s campaign

In cricket terms, the withdrawal of a key fast bowler just before the tournament could deal a significant blow to the United States’ hopes. In recent years, the United States’ progress has been based on a strong bowling attack, a clear strategy, and a set combination. Therefore, the last-minute withdrawal of a player could impact the entire strategy, from powerplay planning to the death overs.

The situation is currently unclear. Ali Khan has made the visa denial public, but what happens next—an appeal, a new application, or intervention by tournament organizers—will determine whether this will be a temporary hurdle or a major setback for the United States ahead of the World Cup.