Another English cricketer faces VISA issues upon arrival in India for Test match, entry to Rajkot delayed

Rehan Ahmed had played the first two Tests on a single-entry visa, which he obtained during the 2023 World Cup.

Another English cricketer faces VISA issues upon arrival in India for Test match, entry to Rajkot delayed

Rehan Ahmed is in India, but on a temporary visa (Image via ESPN)

Before the start of the series, Shoaib Bashir was not allowed entry into India due to his visa not getting stamped. He needed to travel back to London to get his visa stamped in the High Commission of India. Now another English player’s entry into India was delayed due to him not having the correct paperwork. 

Rehan Ahmed was held up in the Rajkot Airport as he had the wrong visa. The English team were returning from a break in the UAE.  He had earlier entered India thanks to the visa he acquired during the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. He was a standby player, but did not travel to India. 

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Ahmed finally did get into Rajkot, thanks to a temporary 2-day visa. An ECB spokesperson spoke about Ahmed’s visa issues, confirming the leg-spinner got a temporary visa. The board has now started the procedure to get the correct field and thanked the Rajkot authorities for helping out. 

Why did the English team travel to the UAE? 

During the 10-day break between the 2nd Test in Vizag and the third Test in Rajkot, the English team left for Abu Dhabi. They left for a break, with many not focusing on the Test series. Dan Lawrence, who was the cover for Harry Brook, traveled to the UAE to participate in the International League T20, but is now back in India. 

Luke Wright, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes
Luke Wright, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes (Image via ESPN)

Jack Leach has been ruled out of the series due to a knee injury he got in the first Test match. He traveled to the UAE as well, but went back to the UK. The ECB has not named a replacement, confirming they will continue the series with the quartet of Rehan Ahmed, Joe Root, Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley. The third Test match will start on 15th February, with both teams having a win each so far. 

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