T20 World Cup: Pakistan-born USA pacer Ali Khan denied Indian visa ahead of tournament; posts on Instagram

Ali Khan (right)

Pakistan-born USA fast bowler Ali Khan has been denied an Indian visa ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, raising uncertainty over his availability for matches scheduled to be played in India during the tournament. The 35-year-old, who was born in Pakistan’s Punjab, shared the update on Instagram Stories on Tuesday (January 13). He posted a picture of himself with the caption, "India visa denied but KFC for the win."

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Ali Khan has played 15 ODIs and 18 T20Is for the USA, taking 33 wickets in ODIs and 16 in T20Is. He was part of the USA squad at the 2024 T20 World Cup and featured in the group match in which the USA defeated Pakistan in a Super Over. Overall, Ali Khan has played 99 T20 matches and has taken 93 wickets. He represented Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the first three seasons of the ILT20 and played for Gulf Giants in the 2025–26 season. The USA have not yet announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, but Ali Khan was expected to be in contention. The T20 World Cup 2026 will be held from February 7 to May 8 across five venues in India — Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai — and three venues in Sri Lanka — Colombo (R Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club Stadium) and Pallekele. The USA are placed in Group A along with India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands. They are scheduled to play three of their four group matches in India. The USA will open their campaign against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, before facing Pakistan on February 10 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Their remaining group matches against the Netherlands and Namibia will be played on February 13 and 15 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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