England spinner Bashir visit delayed by visa issues for India Tests

• England bowler Bashir was delayed in India by visa issues.
• Additional information is needed for Pakistani-born players.
• Khawaja (Australia) faced a similar visa delay earlier.

Visa complications have caused a delay in England bowler Shoaib Bashir’s arrival in India for the five-match test series, head coach Brendon McCullum announced on Monday.

Three uncapped players, including Pakistani-born player Bashir, have been named in the England side for the forthcoming series, which begins on Thursday in Hyderabad.

“He’s got a couple of issues with his visa coming through… we’re confident on the back of the help from the (Indian cricket board) and the Indian government that it will sort itself out pretty quickly as well,” McCullum told reporters.

Individuals of Pakistani descent must provide further information in order to be granted an Indian visa, as stated on the Indian High Commission’s London website.

Usman Khawaja, an Australian batter, was delayed in arriving in India in February due to visa concerns. A letter from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in September complained of a delay in the team’s visas being issued for the 50-over World Cup in India.

The 20-year-old spinner should join the rest of the team on Tuesday, according to McCullum.

“We’re hoping the news will come through today that his visa has been approved, then we’ll get him to sink his teeth into this series,” he added.

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