How Donald Trump's travel ban on certain countries will impact cricket, football, Olympics & other sports

US President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban is already creating confusion and worry in the sports world. With the USA set to host big events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, people are wondering if athletes from banned countries will be allowed to take part. How will the restrictions impact the fans and players already playing in US leagues?

What is Trump’s travel ban?

Donald Trump’s new travel ban will block people from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela, from entering the United States. Trump has said the ban has been imposed on countries that “don’t keep things under control,” adding that it’s for “national security.” The ban will come into effect from 9 June, 2025.

List of banned countries

2. Afghanistan

3. Myanmar

4. Chad

5. Republic of the Congo

6. Equatorial Guinea

7. Eritrea

8. Haiti

9. Iran

10. Libya

11. Somalia

12. Sudan

13. Yemen

Will the travel ban impact athletes?

The travel ban on 12 countries will not impact their athletes if they are taking part in a “major sporting event” in the USA at the moment. The order states that sports players taking part in the Olympics, World Cup, or other “major sporting events” can still enter the country but only if the US Secretary of State agrees that the event is “major.”

It also says that if someone is already inside the country or already has a valid visa, the ban will not affect them.

“Exceptions: (iv) any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State,” a section of the order read.

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How will the travel ban impact cricket?

This rule could affect the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 season. There are seven Afghan players currently signed for MLC teams, including stars like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. MLC 2025 is set to begin on 12 June, just days after the ban comes into effect.

While some Afghan players have already entered the US after getting visas, there are others still waiting for documents to come. According to ESPNcricinfo, MLC officials are hoping for the league to be officially recognised as a “major sporting event” so that all its players can come.

If that doesn’t happen in time, then some Afghan players, who are yet to enter the United States, might have to miss out.

Olympics and World Cup are safe for now

The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico) will not be affected by the ban. The order specifically mentions the Olympics and the World Cup in the ’exceptions’ section. The US government has already promised the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that athletes will be allowed to enter the country for the 2028 LA Games.

What about other sports events?

The problem is that the ban doesn’t clearly define what is a “major sporting event.” That might put other sporting tournaments in a grey zone. Also, players from banned countries who are already in the US and travel abroad for matches may face trouble returning.

Many athletes from affected countries play in Major League Soccer (MLS), the NBA, and MLB. For instance, there are nine Venezuelan players in MLS. Venezuela is not fully banned but has been partially suspended. If players from Venezuela travel for national duty or personal reasons, they might not be allowed back into the US after the ban begins.

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What about fans?

The travel ban does not allow fans from the banned countries to enter the United States, even if their team is playing in the Olympics or the World Cup.