Why Pakistani-Origin Shoaib Bashir Won't Play India vs England Hyderabad Test

India vs England Test series is approaching, but England's preparations have encountered a setback. Uncapped England spinner Shoaib Bashir faces exclusion from the first IND vs ENG Test. Here's why.

Pakistani-Origin Shoaib Bashir Is Excluded From The First India vs England Test

The 20-year-old Shoaib Bashir faced hurdles in his visa application, preventing him from joining the squad in India after England’s training camp in Abu Dhabi.

Initially, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for help in resolving Shoaib Bashir's visa issue. However, Shoaib Bashir was later advised to return to London and address the matter directly with the Indian High Commission.

England's captain, Ben Stokes, expressed his disapproval, stating, "I didn't want this type of situation to be his first experience of what it's like to be in the England Test team. Especially for a young lad, I'm devastated for him."

This incident echoes previous concerns raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about visa delays during the recent World Cup in India. Similar challenges have been faced by cricketers of Pakistani descent, including Usman Khawaja during Australia's Test tour last year.

England will miss the services of Shoaib Bashir in the first IND vs ENG Test, and they faced an earlier setback when Harry Brook withdrew from the entire tour due to personal reasons.

The IND vs ENG 1ST Test is set to commence on January 25 (Thursday) at 9:30 am IST.