News Desk
NEW DEHLI: Four US cricketers of Pakistani heritage have reportedly had their visas denied by India ahead of the T20 World Cup, highlighting ongoing tensions affecting sports diplomacy in the region.
Fast bowler Ali Khan confirmed the visa rejection on social media, while reports indicate that teammates Ehsan Adil and Mohammad Mohsin also had their visas declined. Sources suggest that the denials were linked to the players’ Pakistani backgrounds.
The United States is placed in a group alongside Pakistan, India, Namibia, and the Netherlands. The US is scheduled to play its opening match against India on 7 February. Of the four group-stage matches involving the United States, three are to be held in India, including games against India in Mumbai and against the Netherlands and Namibia in Chennai.
The development has raised concerns about the impact of political considerations on international sports events and the ability of athletes to participate freely regardless of their heritage.
