England's uncapped off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is on the track to join England Test squad for India vs England five-match Test series after a delay in obtaining his visa. The Pakistan-origin spinner has been granted the visa, but unfortunately, the delay has ruled him out of India vs England 1st Test, which kickstarted in Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday (January 25).
Shoaib Bashir, an emerging English spinner known for his right-arm off-break deliveries, has honed his skills in county cricket, notably representing the prestigious Somerset county club. His outstanding performances in County Cricket earned him a call-up to the national side.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the 16-year-old spinner's visa matters have been addressed, and that he is expected to join the England squad in India later in the week.
"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," a statement from ECB read.
Venkatesh Prasad reacts to Shoaib Bashir visa controversy
Controversy stirred when Shoaib Bashir, born in Pakistan, had to return to London due to visa-related issues. It was expected that Bashir, the mystery spinner, would be named in England's playing 11 for IND vs ENG 1st Test in Hyderabad but complications due to visa issues led to a change in the visiting side's plans.
The controversy raised quite a few eyebrows as even a spokesperson for the British government reportedly called for fair treatment for British citizens by the Indian government.
"The specifics of this case are a matter for Shoaib Bashir and the Indian Government. But we absolutely expect India to treat British citizens fairly at all times in its visa process. We have previously raised the issues British citizens with Pakistani heritage experience applying for visas with the Indian High Commission in London," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The second Test match of the five-match IND vs ENG Test Series 2024 will be played from February 2 onwards in Andhra Pradesh's Vishakhapatnam.