Cricket rarely scripts stories like this. In the 2026 T20 World Cup in Colombo, fast bowler Ehsan Adil made his international return in dramatic fashion, playing against Pakistan, the very team he once represented.
The 32-year-old stepped onto the field for the USA, marking a unique moment in his career. Same format, same stage, but a different flag on his chest!
Ehsan Adil was added to the playing XI at the last minute after being approved as a replacement for injured Jasdeep Singh. He came in for Ali Khan, who suffered a groin injury against India. With little time to settle in, Ehsan Adil found himself up against his former teammates.
Between 2013 and 2015, Ehsan Adil played three Tests and five ODIs for Pakistan. After moving to the United States, he rebuilt his career through three seasons in Major League Cricket with MI New York, working patiently toward another international opportunity.
By representing the USA, Ehsan Adil joined a rare group of cricketers who have played international T20 cricket for two different nations.
His journey naturally sparks curiosity: how many players have switched national allegiances in cricket’s shortest format? Here is a list of such cricketers who have represented two countries in T20Is:
Xavier Marshall – West Indies & United States of America
Gregory Strydom – Zimbabwe & Cayman Islands
Ross Taylor – New Zealand & Samoa
Ed Joyce – England & Ireland
Eoin Morgan – Ireland & England
William Rankin – Ireland & England
Luke Ronchi – Australia & New Zealand
Amjad Khan – England & Denmark
Roelof van der Merwe – South Africa & Netherlands
Dirk Nannes – Netherlands & Australia
Nitish Kumar – Canada & United States of America
Juan Theron – South Africa & United States of America
Izatullah Dawlatzai – Afghanistan & Germany
Jade Dernbach – England & Italy
CJ Anderson – New Zealand & United States of America
Ehsan Adil – Pakistan & United States of America
Michael Rippon – Netherlands & New Zealand
David Wiese – South Africa & Namibia
Gary Ballance – England & Zimbabwe
Mark Chapman – Hong Kong & New Zealand
PJ Moor – Zimbabwe & Ireland
Andri Berenger – United Arab Emirates & Qatar
Joe Burns – Australia & Italy
Tom Bruce – New Zealand & Scotland
JJ Smuts – South Africa & Italy
Hayden Walsh – United States of America & West Indies
Karima Gore – United States of America & West Indies
David Ankrah – Ghana & Nigeria
Tim David – Singapore & Australia
Daniel Jakiel – Zimbabwe & Malawi
Connor Smith – Isle of Man & Malaysia
Did you have any idea that there are so many cricketers who have played for two countries?
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