Ben Stokes was “frustrated” and “devastated” when Shoaib Bashir was forced to miss the first Test of the five-match series in India due to visa complications.
Shoaib Bashir, a Somerset off-spinner who signed his first professional contract in 2023, was one of England’s wildcard picks for the five-match Test series in India in 2023-24.
The six-foot-four Bashir had 10 wickets at 67 each in six first-class matches, although he took six wickets against Afghanistan A in a match that did not qualify for first-class rank.
The England side practiced in Abu Dhabi before arriving in India on January 21 for a Test series starting on January 25. Bashir was not included in the touring party since his visa had not yet been processed.
Bashir, born in Chertsey, Surrey, holds a British passport. He was supposed to arrive in Hyderabad on January 23 if the visa was approved, but he had to go home due to a lack of a visa.
Ben Stokes stated during the pre-match press conference, “As captain, I find it very frustrating. We named that squad in mid-December, and Bash is currently without a visa to enter the country.”
“I feel even more frustrated for him. I didn’t want this to be his first taste of playing for England in a Test match.
Bashir holds a British passport and was born in Chertsey, Surrey. If the visa was approved, he was supposed to arrive in Hyderabad by January 23. However, he ultimately forced to return home because he did not have a valid visa.
Ben Stokes stated, “As captain, I find it particularly frustrating,” during the pre-game press conference. We revealed that team in the middle of December, and now Bash is unable to enter the country with a visa.
“I feel more resentment for him. I didn’t want him to learn about being a member of the England Test team for the first time in a circumstance like this.
