Claims that India has denied visas to players of Pakistani origin ahead of the T20 World Cup have gone viral on social media. However, these claims are factually incorrect. The confusion stems from a viral social media post, not from any official visa rejection.=
The controversy began when USA fast bowler Ali Khan posted an Instagram story stating “India visa denied” while he was with the US team in Sri Lanka. The post quickly gained traction online, with several users alleging that India was discriminating against players of Pakistani heritage.
What Actually Happened
As it later emerged, Ali Khan’s statement was based on incorrect information. His visa application has not been rejected; it is currently under review. The same applies to Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin, and Ehsan Adil, three other USA cricketers of Pakistani origin whose visa applications are also under process.
In short, there has been no denial, only procedural review.
Why the Visa Process Takes Longer
Under Indian visa regulations, Pakistan-born individuals fall under a special-category classification. Applicants in this category are required to apply using documentation linked to their country of birth and are subject to additional security and administrative checks.
This process is standard and applies regardless of nationality or sporting status. It is not unique to the USA squad.
Players of Pakistani origin are part of several international teams, including England, Zimbabwe, UAE, Oman, Nepal, Canada, and the Netherlands. All such players are required to follow the same Indian government protocols before receiving clearance.
This Is Not a New Process
Historically, visas for players of Pakistani origin have always involved extended verification timelines. In previous tours of India, players such as Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir (England), Usman Khawaja (Australia), and the Zulfiqar brothers (Netherlands) underwent similar additional checks before being granted visas.
In each of these cases, the visas were issued after due process was completed.
Delay Does Not Mean Denial
It is important to distinguish between a delay and a rejection. Extra time taken for verification does not indicate discrimination or refusal. Indian authorities are following established procedures that have been in place for years.
As of now, there is no evidence to support claims that India has denied visas to Pakistani-origin players for the T20 World Cup. The applications remain under review, and the process is ongoing.
In an era of fast-spreading misinformation, separating facts from viral claims is essential. In this case, the facts are clear: protocol is being followed, not violated.
