Former India opener Aakash Chopra took to Twitter to have his say over the Shoaib Bashir visa issue. Earlier today it was learned that Shoaib Bashir had to fly back to England. The youngster still hasn’t gotten his visa and this did not sit down well with the visitors.
Ben Stokes expressed his helplessness and frustration over the entire ordeal. Even Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has made his statement on the issue. One of the English newspapers called out the Indian authorities over the delay.
India and England will play in the first of five Test matches starting on Thursday in Hyderabad. Tom Hartley has already been named as the debutant with England naming their XI. James Anderson has missed out on England going in with three spin bowlers.
Aakash Chopra’s jibe at England on Twitter –
England team on Wednesday were given a sharp report by Aakash Chopra on Twitter. The 46-year-old wrote “English Cricket has a habit of invoking the “spirit” whenever they are on the wrong side of the law”
English cricket has a habit of invoking the ‘spirit’ whenever they are on the wrong side of the law.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 24, 2024
India’s former opener minced no words as the issue over Shoaib Bashir’s visa has spiralled out of control. While the reasons behind the entire ordeal aren’t clear, the sparks are already flying.
It has come to light that Shoaib Bashir was in Dubai practising while waiting for clearance. The Indian authorities then declined the visa prompting the youngster to head back home. Meanwhile, the British Government has urged India to treat all visa applications reasonably.
One unnamed British Government official was quoted by ESPN CRICINFO “The specifics of this case are a matter for Shoaib Bashir and the Indian Government. But we expect India to treat British citizens fairly at all times in its visa process. We have previously raised the issues British citizens with Pakistani heritage experience applying for visas with the Indian High Commission in London.”
Many in the England camp are hopeful that Shoaib Bashir can make his comeback soon. While the young spinner will not play the Hyderabad Test, it is believed that he can play the second game. Visakhapatnam will host the second Test before the series moves to Rajkot.
