England’s visa delays continue to affect cricketers touring India. Ben Stokes is frustrated by the ongoing delay with Shoaib Bashir’s visa, forcing him to return to the UK, and consequently ruling him out of the first Test against India. Bashir, who was born in Surrey and holds a British passport, has been experiencing familiar visa issues due to his Pakistani heritage. Stokes expressed frustration for Bashir and other cricketers who have faced similar problems. Bashir earned selection through an impressive showing on an England Lions training camp in November. His absence from the squad due to visa issues has been devastating for him and frustrating for the team. Stokes confirmed that Bashir’s inability to be present ruled him out of the first Test against India.
