Following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s ban on the entry of Afghan nationals into the United States, Afghan cricketers are now facing challenges. Several Afghan players, including Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who are associated with Major League Cricket (MLC) in the U.S., may be affected by this restriction.
Trump’s announcement imposes a full entry ban on citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
As per contracts for the 2025 MLC season, seven Afghan players are affiliated with teams: Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Naveen-ul-Haq with MI New York; Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Waqar Salamkheil with Seattle Orcas; and Noor Ahmad with Texas Super Kings.
The new travel restriction, set to take effect from June 9, does include exemptions for athletes or team members traveling for major sporting events such as the World Cup, Olympics, or other significant events as determined by the U.S. Secretary of State.
According to media reports, some Afghan players have already entered the U.S. after obtaining visas, while others are still in the process of applying or planning their travel. League officials have expressed hope that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will facilitate entry for the players.
The order specifically mentions the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a qualifying event for which athletes may be granted exemption. If Afghanistan qualifies, its team should be eligible to compete in the men’s T20 cricket tournament.
The 2025 MLC season is scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 13. MLC began in 2023, with MI New York winning the inaugural season and Washington Freedom claiming the title in the second season last year.
Franchises participating in MLC include MI New York, Washington Freedom, Los Angeles Knight Riders, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, and Texas Super Kings.
