'I Don't Sit In Visa Office’: Rohit Sharma Reacts To Shoaib Bashir Visa Situation Ahead Of IND vs ENG 1st Test

IND vs ENG 1st Test, Hyderabad: In response to young England spinner Shoaib Bashir returning home due to unresolved visa issues in India, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has reacted.

Rohit Sharma gives a funny reaction to Shoaib Bashir's visa situation ahead of IND vs ENG 1st Test in Hyderabad.

Source : Getty

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma displayed his wit and humour in response to a journalist's question about the delayed visa approval for England's young spinner Shoaib Bashir. Bashir encountered visa complications, leading to him being stuck in Abu Dhabi, and subsequently having to fly back to the UK missing the first Test scheduled for January 25 of the India vs England Test series. During a pre-match press conference, Rohit Sharma expressed empathy for Bashir, acknowledging the disappointment caused by the delay, all while infusing a touch of humour into the discussion.

Rohit Sharma, when asked about Shoaib Bashir's delayed arrival in the country, expressed empathy for the young cricketer. He acknowledged the challenges Bashir is facing, being picked for the national side for the first time and having issues joining the team, even though he is already ruled out of the opening Test. In response to a question about visa approval details, Rohit humorously mentioned that he doesn't sit in the visa office to provide more information on the matter.

“I feel for him. He's coming here with the England setup for the first time. It's not easy for anyone. If it were one of our guys coming to England, and the visa was denied (it would be the same). Unfortunately, I don't sit in the visa office to give more details on that. But I hope he can make it here quickly, enjoy our country and play some cricket as well,” said Rohit as per a Hindustan Times report.

'I Feel For Him' says England cricket team captain Ben Stokes

Earlier, England captain Ben Stokes voiced his frustration over Shoaib Bashir not being able to obtain his visa in time, despite the squad announcement being made over a month ago.

"We announced that squad in mid-December, and now Bash finds himself without a visa to get here. I am more frustrated for him. 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. I feel for him," Stokes said as per ESPN Cricinfo.