Ben Stokes Voices Concerns: 'We Shouldn't Fly Until...' Amidst Shoaib Bashir Visa Controversy
The controversy surrounding the delayed issuance of an Indian visa to English off-spinner Shoaib Bashir escalated on the eve of a highly anticipated Test series between India and England. Visiting skipper Ben Stokes expressed his frustration, calling the situation "frustrating," while a British government spokesperson demanded "fair" treatment for the 20-year-old player.
Stokes, addressing the pre-match press conference, commented on the emotional impact of the visa delay, saying, "When I first found the news out in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn't fly until Bash gets his visa." He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, "That was probably just emotions around the whole thing. I'm pretty devastated that Bash has had to go through this."
A spokesperson from the British government highlighted the broader issue, stating, "The specifics of this case are a matter for Shoaib Bashir and the Indian Government . But we absolutely expect India to treat British citizens fairly at all times in its visa process." The spokesperson revealed that concerns about delays for citizens of Pakistani heritage applying for Indian visas had been raised previously.
Bashir, a surprise inclusion in the squad with limited first-class experience, was compelled to return to England from the team's Abu Dhabi training base due to the prolonged visa wait. Stokes expressed hope for Bashir's swift return, saying, "Hopefully, we're going to see him back in India over the weekend. The feelings we have towards it (the visa episode) hasn't changed. It's obviously a frustrating situation."
India's response to the matter remains undisclosed. Stokes emphasized the impact on the team, stating, "As a leader, as a captain, when one of your teammates is affected by something like that, you get a bit emotional."
India captain Rohit Sharma also shared his perspective, expressing empathy for Bashir and stating, "I feel for him. He is coming, I think, for the first time. Unfortunately, I don't sit in the visa office to make the decision."
Stokes reflected on the broader issue, mentioning past instances, saying, "He's not the first cricketer to go through this. I have played with a lot of people who have had the same issues." The article highlighted the case of Usman Khawaja , an Australian opener of Pakistani origin, who faced a similar situation during a Test series in India last year.
Despite efforts by England and Wales Cricket Board's Stuart Hooper to expedite the visa process for Bashir in the UAE, the desired result was not achieved. Stokes expressed his frustration, stating, "I find it frustrating that we have picked a player and he's not with us because of visa issues. It's a frustrating situation to be in, but a lot of people have been trying to get it through."
Stokes, addressing the pre-match press conference, commented on the emotional impact of the visa delay, saying, "When I first found the news out in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn't fly until Bash gets his visa." He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, "That was probably just emotions around the whole thing. I'm pretty devastated that Bash has had to go through this."
A spokesperson from the British government highlighted the broader issue, stating, "The specifics of this case are a matter for Shoaib Bashir and the Indian Government . But we absolutely expect India to treat British citizens fairly at all times in its visa process." The spokesperson revealed that concerns about delays for citizens of Pakistani heritage applying for Indian visas had been raised previously.
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Bashir, a surprise inclusion in the squad with limited first-class experience, was compelled to return to England from the team's Abu Dhabi training base due to the prolonged visa wait. Stokes expressed hope for Bashir's swift return, saying, "Hopefully, we're going to see him back in India over the weekend. The feelings we have towards it (the visa episode) hasn't changed. It's obviously a frustrating situation."
India's response to the matter remains undisclosed. Stokes emphasized the impact on the team, stating, "As a leader, as a captain, when one of your teammates is affected by something like that, you get a bit emotional."
India captain Rohit Sharma also shared his perspective, expressing empathy for Bashir and stating, "I feel for him. He is coming, I think, for the first time. Unfortunately, I don't sit in the visa office to make the decision."
Stokes reflected on the broader issue, mentioning past instances, saying, "He's not the first cricketer to go through this. I have played with a lot of people who have had the same issues." The article highlighted the case of Usman Khawaja , an Australian opener of Pakistani origin, who faced a similar situation during a Test series in India last year.
Despite efforts by England and Wales Cricket Board's Stuart Hooper to expedite the visa process for Bashir in the UAE, the desired result was not achieved. Stokes expressed his frustration, stating, "I find it frustrating that we have picked a player and he's not with us because of visa issues. It's a frustrating situation to be in, but a lot of people have been trying to get it through."
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