USA Cricketers Enjoy Mumbai's Famous 'Pani Puri' Ahead Of ICC T20 World Cup 2026; Video

In a light‑hearted moment before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group stages, USA national cricket team players were spotted enjoying Mumbai’s iconic street food, pani puri, following their warm‑up match against India A in Navi Mumbai. Videos and photos of the American squad savouring the spicy, tangy snack captured fans’ attention online and showcased a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere among the touring side.

The warm‑up fixture, played at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, saw India A post a commanding 238/3 total with contributions from Narayan Jagadeesan’s century and Ayush Badoni’s unbeaten 60. The USA responded with a respectable 200 all out, displaying competitive batting performances despite ultimately losing by 38 runs.

Videos of the USA cricketers relish Mumbai’s famous pani puri, known locally as golgappa, highlighted cultural engagement and a sense of camaraderie within the team ahead of their high‑profile group match against India in the main tournament at Wankhede Stadium on February 7, 2026.

The lighter moments off the field provided a contrast to the intense preparation and expectations surrounding the USA’s T20 World Cup campaign, offering fans a glimpse of cricket’s human side amid elite competition.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Were Ali Khan & Other Pakistan-Origin USA Players Denied Visas? Here's What We Know

Four United States cricketers of Pakistani origin: Ali Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Mohammad Mohsin and Ehsan Adil are awaiting visa clearance to travel to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, sources have confirmed. The players recently attended scheduled visa appointments at the Indian High Commission in Colombo as part of the process.

The quartet, currently in Sri Lanka with the USA squad for the final phase of World Cup preparations, completed their visa appointments on Tuesday (January 13). While visas were not issued at the appointment stage, officials indicated that no formal rejection has been communicated , and the applications remain under review under standard operating procedures.

Sources at the ICC confirmed that all documentation was submitted in line with requirements ahead of the appointments. Officials familiar with the matter stressed that the review process is routine for special-category cases and is being handled in accordance with Indian government protocols. The issue gained public attention after Ali Khan posted an Instagram story referencing a “visa denial,” triggering speculation across social media platforms.

Why Pakistan-origin players often face extended visa timelines?

Visa applications involving players of Pakistani origin have historically involved additional administrative clearances, regardless of nationality or team affiliation. Similar procedures have previously applied to international cricketers such as Moeen Ali, Shoaib Bashir and Usman Khawaja during travel to India. Sources reiterated that the current applications remain active and under consideration, with timelines often extending beyond initial appointments.

Such cases typically require approvals from multiple government departments, including final clearance from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, a process that operates independently of sporting bodies or tournament organisers.

Officials also emphasised that the same visa protocols apply across all participating teams, including squads from the UAE, Canada, Oman and Italy, many of which feature players of Pakistani origin.

The visa situation adds to a growing list of uncertainties surrounding the T20 World Cup. The tournament’s build-up has already been marked by administrative challenges, including an unresolved standoff between the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the ICC over Bangladesh’s reluctance to tour India for its scheduled World Cup fixtures.