Ben Stokes expresses his disappointment for Shoaib Bashir not getting visa

Ben Stokes has expressed his frustration for one of his teammates finding it difficult to get the Indian visa for his tour. Shoaib Bashir, who was announced in the squad for England for Tests against India, has been ruled out of the first Test. Bashir could not get the visa in time and will be missing out on the Hyderabad Test for the same. Stokes is not happy about it.

Speaking about it in the press conference, the England captain expressed his frustration. Ben said that the squad was announced in mid-December and Bashir has not yet got the visa. Stokes felt sad for Bashir and claimed that he did not want to see his teammate in a situation as he landed himself on his maiden tour for the national cricket team of England.

Bashir was picked in England’s squad for his ability to spin the ball. Although the youngster’s numbers do not suggest him to be as good, the management has a lot of confidence in the off-spinner. Bashir is a British citizen of Pakistani origin. It has been the reason behind the delayed visa process. Bashir has flown back home from Dubai due to visa issues.

‘He’s not the first cricketer to go through this’ – Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes also expressed his anguish on the process of visa management in India. The star player added that Shoaib is not the first player to go through the difficulty. Last year, Usman Khawaja faced a similar issue. Stokes felt that no player must go through difficulties like it. “But he’s not the first cricketer to go through this, I have played with a lot of people who have had the same issues,” Stokes added.

“I find it frustrating that we have picked a player and he’s not with us because of visa issues. Especially for a young lad, I’m devastated for him. It’s a frustrating situation to be in, but a lot of people have been trying to get it through. It’s unfortunate and I’m very frustrated for him,” the star player was frustrated and disappointed.