The T20 World Cup in the USA has become an unexpected target, not for cricket fans, but for human traffickers operating out of Gujarat, India. These criminals are using the cricket craze to illegally smuggle people into the United States of America.
New smuggling tactic in T20 World Cup
Traffickers are ditching their old methods, which involved posing as fake Bollywood actors or television personalities to obtain artist visas. With stricter immigration procedures, they’ve turned to cricket as their new cover story.
From local leagues to US visas
The scheme works like this: traffickers recruit individuals and enroll them in local cricket clubs in India. These recruits participate in minor tournaments, supposedly building a professional cricket profile.
Using fabricated sponsorships from US-based clubs, they then apply for six-month sports visas. Once in the US, they disappear, living illegally within the country.
Real stories, fake cricket careers
One individual from Kalol, Gujarat, successfully infiltrated the US using this method. He claims to have played professionally at an academy and participated in local leagues, eventually securing a visa to play in a US cricket league. He and his brother have been residing in the US illegally for eight months.
“I played cricket professionally from an academy in Gandhinagar, participated in leagues organised by a religious group here, and got entry into the US to play a cricket league,” he told TOI.
Similar stories exist, like Monty Patel from Gandhinagar who vanished after entering the US last year, and Ashish Patel from Navsari who finally succeeded on his third attempt after posing as a cricketer for a New Jersey tournament.
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Law enforcement challenges
While acknowledging the trend, Ahmedabad police are limited by jurisdiction. Since the crimes occur on US soil, they cannot take legal action in India. Gujarat’s Director General of Police, Vikas Sahay, confirms no official reports exist, but acknowledges the violation of visa regulations.
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Growing problem with roots in past
This racket has been evolving for roughly five years. Initially, traffickers targeted countries like Russia, where cricket was gaining popularity. Now, with the sport’s growing fanbase in North and South Carolina, the US has become a prime target.
The T20 World Cup has unwittingly become a stage for criminal activity. As immigration authorities tighten their grip on traditional methods, traffickers continue to exploit loopholes and cultural trends. Exposing these schemes and strengthening international cooperation are crucial steps to curb this dangerous practice.
