USA opener Shayan Jahangir has made a strong appeal to the ICC to back Associate nations with more funds and attention.
Speaking ahead of USA’s Group A clash against the Netherlands in Chennai at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Jahangir said Associate teams are not getting enough support to grow.
He pointed to the way teams like Nepal and USA have pushed top sides in this tournament, saying it shows the gap is not as big as many think.
“The exposure and the kind of funding that we get from ICC is lacking,” Jahangir said, calling for better planning and help for smaller cricket nations.
He added, “I think we’ve been given the tag of Associate nation, but we are nothing short of a great team.”
Jahangir feels the problem is not talent, but opportunity. He believes better funding would mean more practice matches, stronger domestic systems and better facilities.
“We have not been watered down properly. We haven’t been nurtured properly,” he said, stressing that Associate teams do not get enough preparation before big tournaments.
He compared this with Full Member nations, who play strong bilateral series before World Cups and enter tournaments battle ready.
In this T20 World Cup, Nepal’s close fight against England and USA’s spirited effort against India have caught attention. Jahangir said these games prove Associates can compete.
He also praised Nepal star Dipendra Singh Airee, who smashed a stunning nine ball fifty earlier in the event. Jahangir said players like Airee still struggle for global league chances due to low exposure.
According to him, with proper backing, Associate players can become regular names in top leagues around the world.
Jahangir also spoke about cricket’s fast growth in the United States. He said Major League Cricket has played a big role in spreading awareness.
He noted that more youngsters, including Native Americans, now know that the USA has a national cricket team. The buzz around the sport is growing steadily.
On a personal note, Jahangir reflected on facing his birth country Pakistan earlier in the tournament.
“If I look at it in hindsight, I mean everything happened for a reason. It was again a full circle moment for me. I never imagined to play against Pakistan in the World Cup. I always wanted to play for the country where I was born. But God has plans for everybody. I think whatever happened, whatever decisions I took in the past 10 years has worked out for me well and I’m just grateful to be playing for the USA cricket team and looking forward to more opportunities,” he said.
As USA prepare for their next match, Jahangir hopes their performances will strengthen the case for more ICC support and a brighter future for Associate cricket.