A viral social media post by USA fast bowler Ali Khan triggered widespread speculation on Tuesday, with claims that India had denied visas to US cricketers of Pakistani origin ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. However, officials familiar with the process have clarified that no visas have been formally rejected and that the applications are currently under standard administrative review.

What triggered the speculation

The issue gained attention after Ali Khan posted an Instagram story stating, “India visa denied but KFC for the win.” The post quickly went viral, fuelling claims that India had blocked the entry of certain US players.

Four US cricketers of Pakistani origin — Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin and Ehsan Adil — are awaiting visa clearance after attending scheduled appointments at the Indian High Commission in Colombo on January 13. The USA squad is currently in Sri Lanka as part of its final preparations for the February tournament.

Officials clarify visa status

According to a Cricbuzz report citing sources at the International Cricket Council, all four players completed their paperwork exactly as instructed. At the appointment, they were informed that visas could not be processed immediately as additional inputs were awaited from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Later, USA team management received a call from the Indian Embassy stating that some required information had been received and the remaining clearances were in progress. Officials stressed that this does not amount to a visa denial and that the applications remain active.

Routine process for special-category cases

Sources said such reviews are routine for players of Pakistani origin, irrespective of nationality or team representation. Similar procedures have previously applied to international cricketers such as Moeen Ali, Shoaib Bashir and Usman Khawaja when travelling to India. The same protocols are expected to apply to teams like the UAE, Canada, Oman and Italy, which also have players of Pakistani origin.

Tournament context

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to May 8 across venues in India and Sri Lanka. The USA are placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands. Officials have urged patience, reiterating that the visa process is ongoing and not denied.