IND Vs ENG: England Cricketer Shoaib Bashir Gets Indian Visa

NEW DELHI: England cricketer Shoaib Bashir has secured an India visa, but it came too late for him to debut in the first Test in Hyderabad.

The delay prompted intervention from the British Prime Minister, causing outrage in the UK media. As per report published in The Indian Express, India’s Ministry of External Affairs revealed Bashir received his visa upon his return to the UK.

The delay was attributed to his Pakistani origin, and the visa process was initiated earlier in the week.

Bashir’s application was submitted in December with the team, but while others received timely visas, the 20-year-old had to return to the UK, hindering his debut chances in the Test against India.

Meanwhile, leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, also of Pakistani descent, had the necessary documents and joined the squad.

England captain Ben Stokes expressed frustration, and his Indian counterpart, Rohit Sharma, empathized, hoping Bashir could quickly join and enjoy playing cricket in India.

With inputs from The Indian Express.