The T20 World Cup 2026 has seen many Indian-origin players earn success at the biggest stage while featuring for the Associate Nations. The United States of America (USA) had nearly stunned the defending champions, India, in the opener at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while Pakistan, somehow, survived the curtain raiser against the Netherlands in Colombo.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has reflected on the same matter. In his Mann ki Baat address to the nation earlier on February 22, the PMO of India highlighted how the Indian origin players had been making a difference across the world.

See Also: Watch: ‘Can’t be at 120 strike rate…’- Former RCB star reflects on Babar Azam’s batting in T20 World Cup 2026

“Friends, I often say, ‘The one who plays, blooms’. Sports also unite us. These days, you must be watching the T20 World Cup matches. I am very sure that while watching the match, many times your eyes must have been fixed on a particular player. The jersey is that of some other country, but on hearing the name, you feel that the person is from our country. Then a slight joy arises in some corner of the heart.” India’s Prime Minister expressed.

PM Narendra Modi reflects on Indian origin players in T20 WC 2026

Modi discussed the Canadian team that fielded the maximum number of Indians in the 20-team event, which began on February 07. None of the Associate Nations qualified for the Super 8 stage, but they can surely give a fight to the opponents in future editions.

Watch the video here: 

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is underway and one of the things that makes us proud is the number of Indian-origin players playing the tournament. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/49ftsvzsm5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2026

“They step into the field wearing the jerseys of their respective countries and represent that country wholeheartedly. The moment gives you a slight happiness because the player is of Indian origin and is playing for the country where his family has settled.” India’s PM added.

“America’s team has many players who have emerged from Indian domestic cricket. American team captain Monank Patel has also played for Gujarat’s under-16 and under-18 teams. Saurabh from Mumbai, Harmeet Singh, and Milind Kumar from Delhi are all the pride of the American team. Countless such players of Indian origin are bringing pride to their respective countries.” Honorable Narendra Modi explained.

On the first day of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, there was news about Agni Chopra, the son of popular Indian film director, producer, screenwriter, and editor Vidhu Vinod Chopra and another popular Indian film critic Anupama Chopra, registered his name for the PSL 2026. Soon, he clarified the status of the report.

Agni Chopra is a USA cricketer

The 27-year-old batter Agni Chopra, who previously served for Mizoram, is now a USA cricketer who represented MI New York in the MLC 2025. As he was born in Detroit, Michigan, he has the USA citizenship. As a USA cricketer, he reportedly registered his name for the PSL 2026, which auction has been scheduled to be organised on February 11.

Watch: USA cricketer Sanjay Krishnamurthi's father shares heartfelt insights into his son’s cricketing journey

Fake and misleading reports are being circulated: Agni Chopra

On his Instagram story, Agni Chopra clarified that the news of his registration for the PSL 2026 was fake and misleading. The 27-year-old is completely focusing on his cricket career for the USA with long-term career goals. 

Agni wrote on the story, "Fake and misleading reports are being circulated in my name regarding a tournament. I would like to clarify that I have not enrolled for the PSL. I remain fully focused on my cricket journey in the USA and my long-term career goals. I request everyone not to fall to prey misinformation."

While the United States of America started the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in a great spirit, especially facing the hosts and defending champions India, USA cricketer Sanjay Krishnamurthi impressed with his batting. His father shared how his son started his cricketing journey. 

It was the Group A match between India and the USA, as both teams started their journey in the tournament with this fixture on Saturday night (February 7) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The unusual Mumbai pitch surprised everyone, where the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav's brilliant knock of 84 not out off 49 balls (10 fours and four sixes) guided the hosts to manage the first innings total of 161/9 after losing the toss.

While the USA lost their first three wickets for only 13 runs, the middle-order batters fought hard to manage the total of 132/8 in 20 overs, as they lost the match by 29 runs. 

Watch: Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoops Jacob Duffy for 6 in NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 clash

Sanjay Krishnamurthi scored crucial 37 runs

Sanjay Krishnamurthi, the 22-year-old right-handed middle-order batter, was the joint highest scorer for the USA in the game by scoring 37 off 31 balls with the help of one four and two sixes. He had an important role for the USA to settle the innings after the top-order collapse. Sanjay had a 58-run partnership with Millind Kumar (34) for the fourth wicket. 

Sanjay Krishnamurthi's father shared his son's cricketing journey beginning

Sanjay Krishnamurthi's father feels proud of his son, as he shared the story of how his son's cricketing journey started. He revealed that his son's cricketing journey started in 2011 at the age of eight, when he experienced India's ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 trophy win at the same stadium, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

Father further added that Sanjay was trained in Bengaluru and represented Karnataka. He also added that it was Sanjay's dream to play at this iconic venue, which he fulfilled in the game.

From Karnataka roots to representing the USA on the ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup stage 🤩#SanjayKrishnamurthi’s father shares heartfelt insights into his son’s cricketing journey. 😇

Watch them next 👉 #INDvNAM | THU, FEB 12 | 6 PM pic.twitter.com/YeNUvV2Mh3

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026

Apart from being a cricketer, Sanjay Krishnamurthi is also a software engineer. 

One of the most famous Indian street foods is the Pani Puri, which is made out of hollo with spicy water, tamarind, potatoes, chutney, and other ingredients, and is quite renowned across the country. The dish, also known as golgappa, is famous in Mumbai for its street food culture.

In a video that went viral around the social media platforms, the United States of America (USA) players were seen laughing and enjoying Pani Puri together, soaking in the local culture and flavors after their first warm-up fixture against India A ahead of the 2026 season of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Most of their players are of Indian origin, and this reflects the Indian familiarity.

See Also: Watch: Italy players get warm welcome in Chennai ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The USA players were the first to land in the court before the ICC event and have started to prepare and acclimatize to the weather ahead of their opening clash against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They are part of the group, including India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia.

USA players enjoy golgappa in Mumbai streets 

The United States of America squad has nine Indian origin players, including their leader Monank Patel, Saurabh Netravalkar, Harmeet Singh, Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Saiteja Mukkamalla, vice-captain Jasdeep Singh, and Nosthush Kenjige, any of whom have strong roots in the Indian circuit with local conditions.

Watch the video here: 

USA cricketers enjoying pani puri (golgappa) in Mumbai after the warm-up match vs India — pure desi vibes 😋 pic.twitter.com/7URxPFlgnA

— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) February 3, 2026

India A posted 238 runs in their allotted 20 overs for the loss of three wickets as their opening batter, Narayan Jagadeesan, recorded 104 runs in 55 balls at a strike rate of 189.09, with the help of 11 boundaries and four sixes. Their captain, Ayush Badoni, drilled 60 runs in just 26 balls at a strike rate of 230.77, shouldering on six fours and four sixes.

The USA got bundled out for 200 in 19.4 overs as Andries Gous got 44 runs while Sanjay Krishnamurti clubbed 41 runs in just 18 deliveries. Ravi Bishnoi picked up three wickets while Khaleel Ahmed ended with figures of 2/25 as India A completed a 38-run win.

Brief Scores: India A 238/3 (Narayan Jagadeesan 104, Ayush Badoni 60*, Shubham Ranjane 1/12) beat USA 200 (Andries Gous 44, Ravi Bishnoi 3/37, Naman Dhir 2/6) by 38 runs.

Cricket has taken a huge step towards growing its global appeal by earning a ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. However, the issue is around the participation of the number of sides. Only six teams will be allowed to make it into the final T20 matches to compete for the Gold, which indicates that the competition will be fierce.

The hosts, the United States of America, as the reports have revealed, have already qualified for the main event of the competition. Apart from them, five more nations will be trying hard to get their names in the tournament. The International Cricket Council, after two days of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), is set to use the regional rankings to decide which teams will go ahead.

See Also: [WATCH] Fans recall Pakistan legend's hilarious wicket-keeping during WCL 2025 clash against England Champions

This means only the top-ranked teams of Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa will automatically qualify for the tournament. The final place for that will be decided by a qualifier. It was a concern, a few days ago, to find a suitable window for the games in the packed calendar, alongside a few logistical issues. But at the moment, it seems like the ICC is happy with the qualifying event.

Report reveals USA’s future of qualification for the LA2028 Olympics

It has also given an update on the West Indies. The problem for the Caribbean side is which country from them will represent the cricket game. But it has been disclosed, by the reports, that they are likely to hold their individual tournament to determine which country will play the qualifier from them.

On the other hand, the T20 World Cup will decide the women’s Olympics, and there is uncertainty about the USA’s selection. It’s the game’s return to the Olympics after over a century, and it will take place at the Fairgrounds stadium in the city of Pomona, about 50 km from Los Angeles, starting from July 12.

A few days ago, it was reported that the USA cricket team could face suspension. But the latest reports have revealed that the world body is set to give them a window of three months to clear the governance clearance. The board is under increased scrutiny ahead of the Olympics.

While the United States cricket team has recently impressed the cricket world, especially in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 as the co-hosts with West Indies, their cricket board is in deep trouble, as the board is in danger of a suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Here, we are going through the whole story briefly.  

In July 2024, the ICC sent a notice to the United States Cricket (USAC) after citing the board's lack of a "fit for purpose" governance and administrative structure. To oversee compliance and reforms of the USAC, the ICC established a normalisation committee during that notice. This governance notice has a 12-month period that will end this July, while there is very little progress in the USAC. 

See Also: USA Shocks Cricket World with an unexpected Historic Record!

United States Cricket leadership has big issue

According to the latest TOI report source, if the USAC leadership doesn't change significantly before the upcoming ICC Annual Conference this July, the ICC is likely to suspend the USAC. Surely, it will be a terrible story for the USA cricket teams, which have just started to make some impact in world cricket, that can inspire the cricket world.  

The TOI report claimed that an ICC official stated that the situation in the USAC is unstable due to dysfunction and internal disputes. Talking about the present ICC situation, the official further added, “The ICC’s position is clear: effective governance is non-negotiable, especially ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028."

Will we see some resignations from USAC?

This June, an ICC delegation visited Los Angeles for meetings with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). In their meeting with the USAC members, the ICC representative reportedly requested the board members to step down voluntarily. While some of the members are reportedly ready to resign, others haven't shown their supportive natures for the solution yet. 

Meanwhile, the TOI report has also learnt that the ICC officials' recent meetings in Los Angeles have been pushed into informal categories rather than any official talks. 

According to the TOI report, several resignations are expected from the USAC in the next few weeks to save the board from any tough sanctions from the ICC. 

The anticipation builds as the second edition of Major League Cricket (MLC) commences on July 4, 2024. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the United States cricket landscape. Through MLC, the US Cricket Board aims to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights in a region traditionally dominated by basketball, baseball, and football.

With the domestic player draft concluded on March 21 and the strategic addition of overseas players ongoing, this league is poised to deliver thrilling cricketing action and showcase the sport’s rich potential in the U.S.

See Also: Why did Jasprit Bumrah once consider moving to Canada?

Background of Major League Cricket

MLC was launched with the vision of popularizing cricket in the United States. Major League Cricket aims to tap into the vast potential of one of the world’s largest sports markets. The inaugural edition laid a solid foundation, attracting attention from cricket fans globally and setting the stage for an even more ambitious second edition.

The Domestic Player Draft

The draft on March 21 was a crucial step in shaping the teams for the upcoming tournament. Local talents were given the spotlight, emphasizing the league’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent alongside the star power of international cricketers.

The full player list for MLC 2024 is below, to be updated as players are signed.

Los Angeles Knight Riders

Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Roy, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Ali Khan, Unmukt Chand, Nitish Kumar, Corne Dry, Saif Badar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Derone Davis, Adithya Ganesh, Matthew Tromp

MI New York

Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, Tim David, Dewald Brevis, Kagiso Rabada, Nicholas Pooran, Steven Taylor, Ehsan Adil, Nosthush Kenjige, Monank Patel, Shayan Jahangir, Ruben Clinton, Shayan Jahangir, Heath Richards, Romario Shepherd, Rushil Ugarkar

San Francisco Unicorns

Corey Anderson, Liam Plunkett, Tajinder Singh, Carmi Le Roux, Brody Couch, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Finn Allan, Haris Rauf, Karima Gore, Matthew Short, Jahmar Hamilton, Hassan Khan,

Seattle Orcas

Quinton de Kock, Wayne Parnell, Harmeet Singh, Shubham Ranjane, Cameron Gannon, Nauman Anwar, Heinrich Klaasen, Imad Wasim, Hammad Azam, Michael Bracewell, Ayan Desai, Shehan Jayasuriya, Ali Sheikh

Texas Super Kings

Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Calvin Savage, Milind Kumar, Cameron Stevenson, Mohammad Mohsin, Faf du Plessis, Daryl Mitchell, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Raj Nannan, Zia Shahzad, Joshua Tromp, Zia ul-Haq

Washington Freedom

Marco Jansen, Andries Gous, Mukhtar Ahmed, Obus Pienaar, Saurabh Netravalkar, Justin Dill, Akhilesh Bodugum, Akeal Hosin, Amila Aphonso, Ian Holland, Lahiru Milantha, Yasir Mohammad, Steve Smith

*updated April 11, 2024 – subject to change