The United States has included former Pakistani pacer Ehsan Adil to its squad for the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, just ahead of its much-anticipated clash against Pakistan, following an injury setback in the camp.
Adil was named as a replacement for right-arm pacer Jasdeep Singh, who was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a right shoulder injury during a warm-up match against New Zealand on February 5. The Event Technical Committee (ETC) of the ICC approved Adil’s inclusion, a mandatory process for any mid-tournament squad change.
The 32-year-old seamer is no stranger to international cricket. He previously represented Pakistan in three Test matches and six One Day Internationals, though he is yet to make his international debut for the United States.
Born in Pakistan, Ehsan Adil made headlines early in his career. He played his first Test match against South Africa in Centurion in 2013, just a month short of his 20th birthday, having featured in only 12 first-class matches at the time. Making an immediate impact, Adil dismissed then South African captain Graeme Smith with his third ball in international cricket, instantly justifying his selection.
2012–13 season can be termed as a breakup season for Adil, as he was part of Pakistan’s Under-19 squad for the 2012 World Cup in Australia and later made his first-class debut for Habib Bank, claiming six wickets in his maiden match. He went on to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker in the President’s Trophy, Pakistan’s premier four-day competition, picking up 54 wickets at an average of 17.88. Those performances earned him a call-up for Pakistan’s Test tour of South Africa.
With Junaid Khan and Umar Gul unavailable, Adil made his Test debut in a relatively inexperienced pace attack, which had a combined prior experience of just two Test matches.
While his international numbers for Pakistan remained modest, Adil built a strong domestic and franchise career. Across 67 first-class matches, he has taken 245 wickets at an average of 22.86, including nine five-wicket hauls. In T20 cricket, he has claimed 94 wickets in 79 matches, showcasing his adaptability to the shortest format.
