THE STORM over Shoaib Bashir's visa delay was today continuing to rage, as Ben Stokes revealed England had briefly considered refusing to travel to India ahead of tomorrow's First Test.
The tourists this morning named a bold line-up for the series opener in Hyderabad, handing a Test debut to Tom Hartley as one of four spinners in their side, but Bashir was ruled out of contention after being forced to fly back to the UK in a bid to resolve the paperwork issue.
The uncapped spinner, who is a British Muslim of Pakistani descent, applied for his visa on December 11, but was still awaiting clearance to enter the country when the rest of the squad travelled to India from a pre-series camp in Abu Dhabi on Sunday without issue.
England initially hoped the problem could be resolved in the UAE and left a member of support staff with the Somerset youngster, but he has since been told he must present his passport at the Indian High Commission in London and was set to do so today.
"When I first found out the news in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn't fly until Bash gets his visa, but that was a little bit tongue-in-cheek," Stokes said this morning.
This story is from the January 24, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 24, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'She handed over her house key I couldn't believe her trust in me, a complete stranger
As our final appeal total hits £3.46million we talk to a beneficiary of Refugees at Home a charity we are funding thanks to your amazing support
Make new and lasting changes
The start of a new year often inspires positive changes, and for those seeking to reclaim their mental health and wellbeing, Ibiza Calm provides a haven of transformation and healing
Feeling run down? Follow your gut feelings
Have you ever wondered why you feel constantly tired, experience brain fog or struggle with health issues like skin problems, pain or mood swings?
The kitchen is on fire but service is a washout
Chefs: duller than you think. Sporting rumours of delinquency still propagate—’shrooms at award shows, clingfilm mischief — but the naughty boys and girls are largely a lost breed.
Make room for what matters
The new year is here, and it's the perfect time to reset and refocus.
She stars in a Netflix mega hit and now Luciane Buchanan is playing a queen
It has been two years since action thriller The Night Agent landed on Netflix, but Luciane Buchanan, the breakout star of this twisty hit, still gets messages about it — ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Will Levy pull the trigger on only answer to Spurs' woes?
Chairman would solve nothing by sacking Ange — he must spend
Why is the capital so full of charity muggers?
Pity the poor souls doing it but it's also a blight on our streets
A new year in the capital: start with healthy habits
Nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner Tracy Tredoux suggests ways to start the new year as you mean to go on
Ski's chicest, for before and après
This season's essential skiing guide for any budget
