New Delhi: In a significant development, English spinner Shoaib Bashir has successfully obtained his Indian visa after a delay that initially prevented his inclusion in the squad for the first match of the India-England test series, set to commence on Thursday. Sources within the Indian security establishment have revealed that the visa has been approved, and the 20-year-old cricketer has submitted his passport for stamping.
The delay in Bashir’s visa approval was attributed to his Pakistani origin, despite being a British citizen by birth. Sources emphasized that the procedural intricacies and regulations differ in cases where individuals have familial ties to Pakistan.
Shoaib Bashir, a promising spinner, was expected to be a valuable asset for the England squad in the upcoming test series against India. Born in the United Kingdom, Bashir’s parents hail from Pakistan, adding a layer of complexity to the visa approval process.
The resolution of this matter comes as a relief to both the player and the England cricket team, ensuring Bashir’s availability for the remainder of the series. His inclusion is anticipated to bolster England’s spin attack and provide a fresh dynamic to the team’s strategy against the formidable Indian side.
As the India-England test series gets underway, the focus now shifts to the cricketing action on the field, with Bashir eager to make an impact in the matches ahead. The resolution of the visa issue underscores the collaborative efforts between cricket boards and respective authorities to facilitate the smooth participation of players in international tournaments.