NEW DELHI: The cricketers representing the United States in the upcoming T20 World Cup have fallen victim to India’s hostility, as four players with Pakistani backgrounds have had their visas denied by the Indian authorities.
The rejected visas have sparked a wave of controversy, as it appears that their Pakistani heritage was the primary reason for the refusal.
Fast bowler Ali Khan took to social media to announce the rejection of his visa, while other players, including Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin, have also faced similar setbacks. The trio, along with another player, were set to represent the US in the tournament but now face an uncertain future due to this issue.
The US team is placed in a group with Pakistan, India, Namibia, and the Netherlands. The first match of the US team is scheduled against India on February 7. According to the group stage schedule, three out of four of the US team’s matches are set to take place in India. The matches against India will be held in Mumbai, while games against the Netherlands and Namibia are scheduled for Chennai.
The visa rejections have raised questions about the political tensions impacting sports events and the participation of athletes with Pakistani origins. Despite the clear issue at hand, the US team is expected to move forward with their preparations, though the visa denial has added an unexpected challenge to their journey.
