The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has witnessed a dramatic team reshuffle as former Pakistan fast bowler Ehsan Adil receives the green light to play for the USA. Replacing Jasdeep Singh, who was sidelined by a shoulder injury in the New Zealand warm-up on February 5, Adil brings international pedigree to the minnows.
Event Technical Committee approval was mandatory, and it arrived promptly. Adil’s credentials speak volumes: Pakistan Test debutant in 2013, he snared five Test wickets in three games and four ODI scalps in six outings. Domestically, he’s a wicket-taking machine with 245 first-class victims at 22.86 and 98 in List-A cricket.
USA’s Group A standing is precarious after a 29-run defeat to India on February 7 in Mumbai. Bowling India to 161/9 was commendable, but their batting crumbled to 132/8. India tops the group with a win, followed by Pakistan; USA sits fifth.
Upcoming fixtures loom large: Pakistan on February 10, Netherlands on the 13th, and Namibia on the 15th. Adil’s experience against Pakistan could prove pivotal, offering USA a fighting chance to climb the table.
This move highlights the global nature of modern cricket, where borders blur and talent converges. As the tournament heats up in Dubai, all eyes will be on Adil’s debut performance for his new team.