The participation of Afghanistan’s top T20 cricketers in the upcoming 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season has been thrown into uncertainty following a newly signed travel ban by US President Donald Trump. The proclamation, which comes into effect on June 9 at 12:01 AM ET, restricts entry into the United States for nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan.
The directive could potentially impact seven Afghan players currently contracted with MLC franchises. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Naveen-ul-Haq are part of MI New York; Seattle Orcas have signed Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Waqar Salamkheil, while Texas Super Kings boast Noor Ahmad among their ranks.
Trump stated the move was necessary to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.” The ban will apply to those who are outside the US on the effective date and do not possess valid visas.
While the order includes a clause exempting "any athlete or member of an athletic team… traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State", there is currently no confirmation if MLC qualifies as one. A league official told ESPNcricinfo they remain hopeful that Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, will designate MLC as a major sporting event, which could clear the path for Afghan players.
Sources within one of the affected MLC franchises confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that they are exploring contingency plans, including fast-tracking player arrivals before the ban takes effect. “We will lean on MLC and other relevant authorities for guidance,” the official added.
Some players have reportedly already entered the US after securing visas, but others are yet to complete the process or travel.
In an official statement, an MLC spokesperson said, "We're continuing to monitor the situation and are working with the relevant authorities to minimize travel disruptions for overseas players ahead of the start of Major League Cricket next week.
“We continue to attract some of the best players from around the world to come over to the US to showcase their talent, along with the best cricketers from the USA, and we are set to have the most exciting tournament to date this summer."
The season kicks off on June 12 with a rematch of last year’s final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco at the Oakland Coliseum.
Meanwhile, the ban includes specific mention of the Olympics as a recognized exemption event, which could allow Afghan cricketers to feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, provided they qualify for the men’s T20 competition.
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