Shayan Jahangir Urges Greater ICC Support for Associate Nations Ahead of Must-Win Clash
USA batter Shayan Jahangir has called on the ICC to provide greater funding, exposure and structural support to Associate nations, insisting there is “so much talent” waiting to flourish if properly nurtured.
Speaking on the eve of USA’s must-win T20 World Cup fixture against Netherlands in Chennai, Jahangir highlighted the disparity in preparation between Full Members and Associate sides.
“Especially coming into this tournament, all major teams have played big T20 series,” Jahangir said. “Pakistan played against Australia, New Zealand played against India, and we were playing against Sri Lanka A.
“It has a lot to do with the funding as well. We don’t have the money to have those competitions, don’t have those big grounds that we can play on. If we have that funding from the ICC… it’s a request from us, personally from me, to really look into it. If you really nurture us, I’m telling you, there’s so much talent in Associate cricket.”
Exposure Gap
Jahangir pointed to Nepal allrounder Dipendra Singh Airee — who holds the record for the fastest T20I half-century — as an example of a player lacking sufficient exposure despite exceptional ability.
“There are so many cricketers who are so good, but not given the exposure,” Jahangir said. “If it was at the highest level, he would get recognition all over the world, but he’s still struggling to play league cricket all over the world. So I think exposure, funding and also a little push is required.”
USA’s own build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup was far from ideal, with board dysfunction disrupting preparations. The team had not played a T20I since April 2025 before the tournament began. Despite that, they pushed favourites India hard in Mumbai, reducing them to 77 for 6 before Suryakumar Yadav steered India to safety.
Fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, leading the wicket charts with eight wickets in two matches at an average and economy rate of 6.25.
“As you have seen in this World Cup, all teams that are tagged Associate nations have put on a show,” Jahangir said. “Nepal almost won a game against England. We almost beat India. If we had clinched those moments, we would have beaten the powerhouse of a World Cup team.
“I would say we have not been watered properly. We haven’t been nurtured properly. But again, it’s all our players putting in the hard yards without the financial resources and without the infrastructure. If the ICC pays more attention to us and all the Associate nations, you’ll see more big games and these teams changing their tag from Associate nations to big teams.”
Growth Through Major League Cricket
Jahangir believes the rise of Major League Cricket (MLC) has already played a significant role in the development of cricket in the United States.
“Since the inception of Major League Cricket, cricket has blossomed in the country,” he said. “There are a lot of youths picking up a cricket ball and bat. Even native Americans who were born and raised in the country now have awareness that America has a cricket team.”
He added that exposure to top international players through franchise leagues has accelerated the progress of USA cricketers.
Full-Circle Journey
Born in Karachi, Jahangir once represented Pakistan Under-19 and made his first-class debut for Pakistan International Airlines in 2014. After limited opportunities — just four first-class matches in total — he relocated to Texas in 2016.
He made his USA debut in November 2022 and recently scored 49 off 34 balls against Pakistan in Colombo — a poignant moment in his career.
“If I look at it in hindsight, everything happened for a reason,” he said. “I never imagined playing against Pakistan in a World Cup. I always wanted to play for the country where I was born. But God has plans for everybody. I’m just grateful to be playing for the USA cricket team and looking forward to more opportunities.”
Jahangir is set to return to Pakistan next year to represent Hyderabad Houston Kings in PSL 2026. He has also featured in the CPL for Barbados Tridents and in the ILT20 for Dubai Capitals.
“Being thrown in the jungle against the big boys and coming out strong gives you a great sense of belief,” he said. “If we keep seizing those moments, you’ll see more guys from USA performing and representing franchises around the world — and everybody will be pleased to see the talent that we have.”
With qualification on the line against Netherlands, USA will look to translate that belief into results — and continue making their case for greater recognition on the global stage.