The 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, set to begin June 12, faces a last-minute crisis as a new U.S. travel ban signed by President Donald Trump threatens the participation of seven Afghan players contracted across multiple franchises.
The ban, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on June 9, will “fully restrict and limit the entry” into the United States of nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan. Justifying the move, Trump stated it was to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.”
Seven Afghan stars under contract
Among those affected are some of the biggest names in world T20 cricket: Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Naveen-ul-Haq (MI New York); Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Waqar Salamkheil (Seattle Orcas); and Noor Ahmad (Texas Super Kings). These players are now caught in limbo just days before the league’s highly anticipated second season kicks off.
According to ESPNcricinfo, while some Afghan players have already entered the U.S. after securing valid visas, others are still either awaiting visa approvals or have yet to travel. According to Trump’s proclamation, the restrictions apply only to those “who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.”
Hope hinges on ‘major sporting event’ designation
There remains a potential path forward. The order includes a clause that exempts “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.” The key question now is whether MLC will be granted that designation by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
A league official told ESPNcricinfo they are “hopeful” that MLC will qualify, which would clear the way for Afghan players to participate. However, no confirmation has been issued by the State Department.
Franchises seek emergency options
Teams are scrambling behind the scenes to navigate the situation. An official from one affected franchise told ESPNcricinfo, “We will lean on MLC and other relevant authorities for guidance,” and indicated they are exploring emergency plans, including flying players into the U.S. before the ban takes effect.
MLC maintains confidence despite uncertainty
The league itself remains optimistic. In a 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.”
Olympic exemption highlights long-term implications
The travel ban’s language explicitly names the Olympics—set for Los Angeles in 2028—as a recognized exemption. That clause could be crucial if Afghanistan qualifies for the men’s T20 event at those Games, allowing their cricketers to enter the U.S. under the exemption.
But for now, the fate of Afghanistan’s stars in MLC 2025 rests on the decision of the Secretary of State—and the ticking clock until the ban comes into force.
