The USA cricket team is preparing for its biggest challenge yet as it gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with squad details, match fixtures, and a recent visa issue all grabbing attention. After a historic performance in the last edition, the USA enter the tournament with growing confidence and rising expectations.
The latest developments emerged on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026. The tournament will feature 20 teams, making it the second consecutive edition with an expanded format.
USA Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
While the USA have not yet officially announced their final 15, reports suggest the squad will be selected from an 18-man group currently training in Sri Lanka. The team is expected to be led by Monank Patel, with Jessy Singh likely to serve as vice-captain.
The leaked squad includes several experienced names and new faces, including former international players now representing the USA.
Expected USA Squad for T20 World Cup (reported):
Monank Patel (Captain), Jessy Singh (Vice-captain), Ali Khan, Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Shayan Jahangir, Shehan Jayasuriya, Nosthush Kenjige, Ehsan Adil, Mohammad Mohsin, Milind Kumar, Sai Mukkamalla, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Rushil Ugarkar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi.
The inclusion of Shehan Jayasuriya, a former Sri Lanka international, and Ehsan Adil, who previously played Test cricket for Pakistan, has added experience to the squad.
Read Also: Visa Issue Around Pakistan-Origin USA Bowlers
Recent Form and Key Records
The USA qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup after reaching the Super Eight stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup, held on home soil. That campaign included a famous group-stage win over Pakistan, one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.
Key recent highlights:
- USA reached Super Eight in T20 WC 2024
- First-ever T20 World Cup appearance in knockouts
- Monank Patel scored 250+ runs in the 2024 tournament
- Ali Khan remained among the team’s top wicket-takers
USA Match Schedule – Group A
The USA have been placed in a tough Group A, featuring strong cricketing nations. Their group-stage fixtures are as follows:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Feb 2026 | USA vs India | Mumbai |
| 10 Feb 2026 | USA vs Pakistan | Colombo |
| 13 Feb 2026 | USA vs Netherlands | Chennai |
| 15 Feb 2026 | USA vs Namibia | Chennai |
Three of USA’s four matches will be played in India, increasing the importance of off-field preparation and logistics.
Latest Visa Update Involving USA Players
In recent days, reports surfaced claiming that several Pakistan-origin USA players, including fast bowler Ali Khan, had been denied Indian visas. These claims have since been officially clarified.
USA Cricket officials confirmed that:
- No visas have been rejected
- Applications are still under process
- Delays are due to additional checks for players born in Pakistan
The visa process is currently being handled by the International Cricket Council, which has issued special instructions to Indian embassies to fast-track clearances. Officials remain confident the issue will be resolved before the tournament begins.
With a settled core, improved depth, and recent big-match experience, the USA will aim to be competitive once again. While progressing beyond the group stage will be difficult, the team has already proven it can challenge top sides.
As preparations continue in Sri Lanka and administrative matters move toward resolution, the USA’s focus remains firmly on making another strong impression on the world stage in T20 World Cup 2026.
