"India Denied Me Visa!" – Pakistan-Born US Cricketer Ali Khan's Big Claim Sparks Controversy Ahead of T20 World Cup"

-Friday World – January 15, 2026

Just weeks before the Men's T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February, a major controversy has erupted. Ali Khan (Muhammad Ehsan Ali Khan), the Pakistan-born American fast-bowling all-rounder, has claimed that India has refused to issue him a visa, preventing him from participating in the tournament. Ali made this revelation through a caption on his Instagram Story.

The opening match of the World Cup is scheduled for February 7, 2026, at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium— India vs USA. With less than a month remaining and the ICC deadline already passed, the United States is yet to announce its final 15-member squad. Ali Khan is one of USA's key pace bowlers and all-rounders, and his absence could be a massive blow to the American campaign.

Ali Khan: Career & Background The 35-year-old Ali Khan was born in 1990 in Punjab province, Pakistan. His full name is

Muhammad Ehsan Ali Khan. He has represented the United States in 33 international matches across formats, primarily known as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder who troubles batsmen with his express pace and bounce.

Currently, Ali is training with the USA squad in a pre-World Cup camp in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The final 15 players will be selected based on performances in this camp. Interestingly, three players of Pakistani origin are part of this camp:

- Ehsan Adil, who has played three Test matches** for Pakistan

- Mohammad Mohsin, who is yet to make his international debut

Here are some recent images of Ali Khan during training and in action for Team USA:

The Visa Controversy: What Exactly Happened?

In his Instagram post, Ali Khan wrote: *"I have not been granted a visa by India. I wanted to play in the World Cup, but now it seems impossible."

The claim has come at a time when India-Pakistan cricket ties have always carried political undertones. Although Ali is now a full US citizen with no official connection to Pakistan, the visa denial has naturally sparked debate and raised eyebrows.

USA Cricket has not yet issued any official statement on the matter. According to ICC regulations, all participating teams must secure visas and travel permissions well in advance. If Ali Khan is genuinely denied entry, it will severely impact the USA's preparations and bowling attack.

India vs USA: The High-Stakes Opener** The very first match of the T20 World Cup 2026 will see India take on the United States at Wankhede Stadium on February 7. This fixture is of huge significance:

- India will look to start strong on home soil

- USA will play their biggest-ever match on the global stage

Without an experienced pacer like Ali Khan, the American bowling unit could struggle against India's formidable batting lineup.

Here are some stunning visuals of Wankhede Stadium and the excitement surrounding the T20 World Cup:

Politics Casting a Shadow Over Cricket

Over the past few years, India-Pakistan cricket relations have repeatedly been affected by political issues:

- Pakistan did not travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup

- The Asia Cup was played on neutral venues

Ali Khan's visa issue has once again reignited the long-standing debate: **Can cricket ever be completely separated from politics?

This development is not only a challenge for the USA team but also raises serious questions about coordination between the ICC, host nations, and participating boards. All eyes are now on USA Cricket and the ICC for their next official response.

Sajjadali Nayani ✍

Friday World – January 15, 2026