T20 World Cup 2026 Visa Row: India Blocks Pakistan-Born Cricketers

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was meant to be a celebration of cricket’s global reach — a tournament where talent rises above borders. Instead, weeks before the first ball is bowled, the competition is being overshadowed by a growing visa controversy involving Pakistan-born cricketers.

According to multiple sources, cricketers of Pakistani origin or those holding Pakistani passports may face serious difficulties in obtaining Indian visas ahead of the tournament. The uncertainty has triggered concern across several participating nations and raised uncomfortable questions about fairness, inclusivity, and governance in modern cricket.

What Is the T20 World Cup 2026 Visa Issue?

The controversy centres on India’s visa policy for players with Pakistani backgrounds. Reports suggest that the cricket boards of five participating teams have formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to seek clarity.

However, despite repeated communication, these boards have reportedly received no official assurance from either the ICC or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

🔗 Learn more about the tournament via the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
🔗 Role of the governing body explained at International Cricket Council
🔗 Host board details at BCCI Official Website

Teams Directly Affected by the Visa Uncertainty

Several associate nations rely heavily on players from multicultural backgrounds. The teams reportedly impacted include:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 🔗 Emirates Cricket Board

• Oman – 🔗 Oman Cricket

• Italy – 🔗 Federazione Cricket Italiana

• Canada – 🔗 Cricket Canada

• United States of America (USA) – 🔗 USA Cricket

Many of these squads include players who are either Pakistani passport holders or of Pakistani descent, placing them at risk of visa delays or denials.

Why This Issue Is So Significant

Cricket history shows that sports and politics often collide, especially in South Asia. The strained India–Pakistan relations have previously impacted bilateral cricket, visa access, and player movement.

Anecdote from the Past

During a previous ICC event hosted in India, an associate nation player of Pakistani origin reportedly received his visa after the team had already exited the tournament. Despite months of preparation, his World Cup dream ended not on the field — but at an embassy desk.

That memory still lingers, and it explains why associate boards are sounding the alarm early this time.

Why Associate Nations Are Most Vulnerable

Unlike full-member teams, associate nations operate with:

• Limited player pools

• Smaller budgets

• Fewer replacement options

For teams like Canada and USA, diaspora players form the backbone of competitiveness. Losing even one key cricketer due to visa issues can completely disrupt team balance, match strategy, and morale.

🔗 Read about associate cricket development via ICC Development Programme

Silence from ICC and BCCI: A Growing Concern

While the ICC is responsible for ensuring equal participation, host nations control visa facilitation. So far:

• The ICC has not issued a public guarantee

• The BCCI has not clarified India’s visa stance

• Affected boards remain in limbo

This silence has added to anxiety, especially with team selections and travel planning already underway.

T20 World Cup 2026: Tournament Overview

The T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026.

Key Tournament Structure

• 20 teams

• Five groups of four teams

• Top two teams qualify for Super Eight

• Super Eight begins on 21 February in Colombo

• Final on 8 March in Ahmedabad or Colombo

🔗 Official fixtures and format: ICC Tournament Schedule

Notably, India and Pakistan are drawn in the same group — a fixture that traditionally attracts global attention and massive viewership.