In a positive development, England spinner Shoaib Bashir has successfully obtained his visa for India and is set to join the touring team this weekend, according to an announcement from the England and Wales Cricket Board on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old British-born off-spinner, of Pakistani heritage, had faced delays in joining the squad as he had to return to London from Abu Dhabi to complete the necessary paperwork for his entry into India. He missed the first Test, but the recent resolution ensures his participation in the upcoming matches.
The England and Wales Cricket Board stated, “Shoaib Bashir has now received his visa and is due to travel to join up with the team in India this weekend. We’re glad the situation has now been resolved.” Reports suggest that the UK government played a role in expediting the visa process.
Expressing disappointment at the initial treatment, England captain Ben Stokes mentioned in a press conference that the team fully supported Bashir. Despite the delay, the England squad, including spinners Tom Hartley and Joe Root, is prepared for the challenges that the Indian pitches may present in the upcoming matches.
This development resonates with past instances where cricketers of Pakistani descent faced challenges in obtaining visas for India. The ongoing diplomatic stand-off between India and Pakistan continues to impact sporting ties between the two nations. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed sympathy for Bashir, hoping he can quickly join the team and enjoy playing cricket in India.
