United States captain Monank Patel has opened up about the atmosphere inside the team’s dressing room amid India-Pakistan tensions. The members of the US team participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7, are mostly of Indian or Pakistani origin.
India decided not to join hands with Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2025 and followed the same approach throughout the tournament. The stance was not limited to the senior team only, as India’s emerging team, U19 team and women’s team also maintained the no-hands policy against Pakistan.
Monank Patel talks openly about sharing dressing room with players of Pakistani origin
Monank Patel said there is strong unity within the United States team despite many players being born in India and Pakistan. He said that nationality does not matter within the team, as they play for one country with a common goal.
“When you represent the United States there are no Indians or Pakistanis. Everyone is representing the country, and we have been playing together for a long time,” Monank Patel Said.
“We are very close friends, very close teammates and our aim is to give our best and stay committed. These are our teammates. There is no Indian or Pakistani when it comes to cricket,” he said.
Video | USA captain Monank Patel on India-Pak camaraderie in the team, “When you represent the USA there is no Indian, no Pakistani. Everyone is representing the country, and we have been playing together for a long time. We are very close friends, very close teammates, and our… pic.twitter.com/DfcZZroAS9
– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) 31 January 2026
Pakistan is ready to play T20 World Cup match in Sri Lanka
BCCI, PCB and ICC had earlier agreed that all India-Pakistan matches in ICC tournaments will be played at neutral venues till 2027. The decision was taken to avoid political issues and ensure smooth scheduling of global events.
T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to start from 7th February. Pakistan’s final announcement on the tournament is expected by Monday. The Men in Green have to play all their matches in Sri Lanka, as they had long ago refused to play in India.
Bangladesh refused to play the tournament in India after fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad. The BCB asked to move their matches to Sri Lanka, but the ICC rejected the request and moved them to Scotland instead.
USA announces 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2026
The United States announced a 15-man squad for the World Cup, with Monank Patel to lead the team. 10 players have been retained from the 2024 edition, including JC Singh, Andries Gaus, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Harmeet Singh, Nostush Kenzige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan.
The biggest omission is Aaron Jones, one of the team’s most consistent performers in 2024. The 31-year-old player has been dropped after being accused of breaching the anti-corruption code of the International Cricket Council and Cricket West Indies.
The United States has been drawn in Group A along with India, Pakistan, Netherlands and Namibia. They will begin their campaign against hosts India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on the opening day, before facing Pakistan, Netherlands and Namibia.
Also read: Pakistan announces final decision on participation in T20 World Cup 2026, but there’s a twist