England Cricketer Shoaib Bashir Denied India Visa, Stokes Fumes as Khawaja’s Wife Raises Eyebrow
Shoaib Bashir, a young England spinner, has been forced to return home after visa issues denied him entry into India for the first Test match. The 20-year-old’s experience echoes a similar struggle faced by Australian batsman Usman Khawaja last year, prompting frustration from both players and officials.
Bashir, born in Pakistan, encountered visa delays while the rest of the England squad flew to India this week. Stuck in the UAE after a training camp, he was ultimately advised to return to the UK for visa processing at the Indian embassy in London. The spinner, although unlikely to debut in the first Test, missed out on a potential England debut and valuable training time with the team.
England captain Ben Stokes expressed his disappointment, stating, “I find it frustrating that we have picked a player and he’s not with us because of visa issues.” He further lamented the impact on Bashir, saying, “Especially for a young lad, I’m devastated for him.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sought assistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but could not resolve the situation within the UAE. A spokesperson for the British Prime Minister acknowledged the broader issue while declining to comment on Bashir’s specific case. They stated, “Our position is that British citizens should be treated fairly when going through this process.”
Adding to the tension, Khawaja’s wife, Rachel, reposted a news story about Bashir’s predicament on social media, simply adding a cryptic “Mmmm.” In 2023, Khawaja, also born in Pakistan, missed the four-Test series in India due to visa complications at the eleventh hour. He eventually gained clearance, but the incident left a mark.
READ MORE
- India vs England Head to Head In Tests | ENG vs IND 2024
- Does England Have a Chance in India? Mark Wood Thinks So
- James Anderson Ready to Rise from Ashes for India Tour
- Dan Lawrence Named Harry Brook’s Replacement For India Tour
Bashir’s visa denial and Khawaja’s reaction raise concerns about potential bias in the visa process for players with certain nationalities, particularly Pakistani origin.
While visa hurdles are not uncommon in international cricket, the recurring issues involving players born in Pakistan deserve further scrutiny and dialogue between cricketing boards and concerned governments.
The incident casts a shadow over the upcoming Test match, highlighting the need for swift solutions to ensure fair treatment for all players on the global stage.
