According to circulating reports, at least four players from the United States squad—Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Ehsan Adil, and Mohammad Mohsin—were allegedly denied Indian visas. Rumours also claimed that Raza, born in Pakistan, had been refused a visa for the same reason.
Claims of Zimbabwe boycott unfounded
Speculation grew that Zimbabwe Cricket might consider boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026 in protest of Raza’s visa issues. These claims, largely originating from Pakistani media and amplified on social media, suggested that the board would take the refusal seriously.
However, Zimbabwe cricket journalist Adam Theo dismissed the rumours, calling them “fake.” Similarly, Vikrant Gupta, senior managing editor at Aaj Tak, clarified that Pakistan-born players with pending visa appointments were simply undergoing the standard verification process and that approvals would take a few days.
Sikandar Raza’s background
Sikandar Raza was born on April 24, 1986, in Sialkot, Pakistan, and spent his early childhood there before moving to Zimbabwe in 2002. He initially aimed to join the Pakistan Air Force but later pursued software engineering in Scotland while playing semi-professional cricket. Returning to Zimbabwe, he began a full-time cricket career and made his international debut in May 2013.
Raza’s Pakistan origin has led to questions about his visa process, as Indian regulations require individuals born in Pakistan to apply using a Pakistani passport, regardless of current nationality or residence.
Visa concerns for Pakistan-born players
The reported visa complications affected several Pakistan-origin players from associate nations. Cricket boards have approached the ICC for assistance, and the governing body has reportedly assured them that visas will be cleared once documentation is verified.
It is important to note that the Pakistan national team is unaffected by these issues, as all of its T20 World Cup 2026 matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka.
