Aoba Tanaka 
In a significant development, Shoaib Bashir, the uncapped spinner, has finally obtained his India visa and is expected to join England’s Test squad in Hyderabad over the weekend. The delay, stemming from Bashir’s Pakistani heritage, sparked a saga that saw him returning to the UK from the UAE, where his teammates had already traveled. The situation garnered attention from the British government, emphasizing the fair treatment of British citizens during the visa process.
The ECB confirmed the resolution, stating, “We’re glad the situation has now been resolved.” The protracted ordeal prompted England captain Ben Stokes to express support for Bashir, acknowledging the emotional impact on the team. “I know he’s back in London, and a lot of people are jumping through hoops to try and get this through quicker,” Stokes remarked.
Despite briefly considering a team refusal to travel, Stokes clarified it was a tongue-in-cheek suggestion, recognizing the complexity of the situation. The British government intervened, reiterating the expectation of fair treatment for British citizens. Stokes, empathizing with Bashir’s frustration, hoped for a swift resolution, emphasizing the spinner’s full support from the team.
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, expressed sympathy for Bashir, stating, “I feel for him, honestly.” While unable to provide details on the visa process, Sharma extended well-wishes for Bashir’s quick arrival, hoping he could enjoy the country and contribute to the cricket series.
With the visa hurdle behind, Bashir is set to join the squad after spending a couple of days decompressing at home. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with Pakistani heritage, echoing previous instances involving players like Saqib Mahmood and Moeen Ali. The England team now anticipates Bashir’s presence as they gear up for the second Test in Visakhapatnam.
