ISLAMABAD: Cricketers holding Pakistani passports or having Pakistani background are facing difficulties in obtaining Indian visas ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources said.

According to sources, the cricket boards of five teams participating in the tournament have formally approached the International Cricket Council to raise concerns over potential visa issues. However, neither a response from the ICC nor any assurance from the Indian board has been received so far.

Sources said there is a strong likelihood that players with Pakistani background may encounter problems in securing Indian visas for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Teams from the UAE, Oman, Italy, Canada and the United States include players who are either green passport holders or have Pakistani roots.

The boards of these teams have begun internal consultations and have also discussed the issue among themselves, expressing serious concern. While the matter has been taken up with the ICC, no guarantees have been provided regarding visa facilitation.

Sources further said that India has not conveyed any formal position to the ICC on the issue, adding that in the past, players with Pakistani background have faced difficulties in obtaining Indian visas.

Due to previous incidents, the boards of associate member nations are increasingly worried. Officials from these boards believe that if players with only Pakistani background have faced hurdles in the past, those holding Pakistani passports could face even greater challenges ahead of the global event.