As Pakistan face the United States in their T20 World Cup 2026 match, the spotlight is not only on the contest itself but also on an intriguing subplot of modern international cricket.

While Pakistan field their best XI, the USA squad includes three players who were born in Pakistan but are now representing American cricket on the global stage.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, being staged in India and Sri Lanka, features not just traditional powerhouses but also associate nations such as the United States, the Netherlands, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Italy.

What stands out in this edition is the unprecedented presence of Pakistani or Pakistani-origin cricketers across multiple teams. At least eight teams in the tournament include players who were either born in Pakistan or have strong family roots there.

For some, this trend highlights the depth of Pakistan’s cricketing talent pool. For others, it raises uncomfortable questions about the country’s domestic structure and pathways to the national team.

Pakistani influence across associate teams

The United States squad includes fast bowler Ali Khan, who recently dismissed India’s Abhishek Sharma for a golden duck, alongside pacer Mohammad Mohsin and batter Shayan Jahangir. Similar stories can be found across associate nations.

Oman, the Netherlands, the UAE, Canada, and Italy have all benefited from Pakistani talent.

Canada recently fielded left-arm spinner Saad bin Zafar and pacer Kaleem Sana, while Italy handed opportunities to fast bowler Ali Hassan.

The UAE squad reportedly includes at least nine players of Pakistani origin, including captain Mohammad Waseem.

Perhaps the most prominent example remains Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s captain. In one recent match, as many as eight such players were on the field at the same time—yet Pakistan were not one of the teams involved. Raza was playing against an Oman side that featured seven Pakistani or Pakistani-origin players.

He has often said that he only discovered his passion for cricket after moving abroad and studying in England, eventually forging a successful international career away from Pakistan.

Even among full-member nations, the influence is evident. England’s leg-spin department is led by Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, both of Pakistani heritage, with family roots in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.

Why do players move on?

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Atiq-uz-Zaman believes governance issues are a key factor. Speaking to BBC Urdu, he argued that cricket in Pakistan is no longer seen as a secure career since the end of departmental cricket.

“When departments existed, players had jobs and stability. Since that system ended, many talented cricketers no longer see a future,” he said, adding that merit-based selection remains a major concern.

However, former selectors Haroon Rasheed and Salahuddin Sallu disagree with placing the blame solely on the Pakistan Cricket Board. They argue that talented players do get opportunities, but fierce competition means not everyone can make the national side.

They also point to the ICC’s role in developing cricket in emerging nations, where experienced players from South Asia and the Caribbean are encouraged to play and coach, often in exchange for residency or citizenship.

Talent surplus or inevitable migration?

Writer Waheed Khan believes Pakistan’s sheer popularity of cricket is the biggest factor. “Only 11 players can play for the national team. Many capable cricketers miss out simply because someone even better is already there,” he explained, citing examples from past eras where outstanding players were overshadowed by legends.

From Sikandar Raza to Imran Tahir, history suggests that migration is not always about rejection, but about opportunity. What is clear at the T20 World Cup 2026 is that Pakistan’s cricketing footprint extends far beyond its own national team.