Former Pakistan fast bowler Ehsan Adil is set to play against the Pakistani team after joining the United States squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The development adds a major storyline ahead of the USA’s high-profile clash with Pakistan in Colombo.
The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Adil as an official replacement for Jasdeep Singh, who suffered a shoulder injury during a warm-up match against New Zealand on February 5. As a result, the USA received a timely boost to their pace of attack as the tournament intensified.
Adil returns to the world stage 11 years after Pakistan’s exit
Ehsan Adil will return to an ICC world event exactly 11 years after he last represented Pakistan at the 2015 World Cup. The 32-year-old made his international debut for Pakistan at the age of 19 against South Africa and later played his final match for the Men in Green in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final against Australia in Adelaide.
Although his international career ended early, Adil continued to build a strong domestic reputation. He took 245 first-class wickets and also delivered consistent performances in Pakistan’s T20 circuit.
The USA gains experience as Pakistan face familiar threat
After moving to the United States, Adil rebuilt his career through Major League Cricket and earned a new role within the American setup. Consequently, he now brings valuable experience and inside knowledge into the USA bowling unit.
The decision also strengthens a growing group of Pakistani-origin players in the USA camp, which continues to reshape the team’s identity in the shortest format.
Meanwhile, Adil’s inclusion sets up a pressure-filled contest for Pakistan, who still carry the weight of their shock Super Over defeat to the USA in 2024. The match at the Sinhalese Sports Club promises intensity, emotion, and a fresh test for Pakistan’s batting under tournament pressure.
