Rohit Sharma and Ben Stokes Extend Support to Shoaib Bashir Ahead of England's Tour of India
In a show of camaraderie between the captains of the Indian and English cricket teams, CricAdvisor reports that both Rohit Sharma and Ben Stokes have expressed their support for Shoaib Bashir. The 20-year-old spinner, of Pakistani heritage, has faced delays in obtaining a visa to travel to India for the England tour, potentially impacting his participation in the opening Test in Hyderabad.
Rohit Sharma's Empathy for Shoaib Bashir
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Rohit Sharma empathized with Bashir’s situation, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals traveling with a national team. He stated, “I feel for him honestly. He’s probably coming for the first time with the England set-up. And obviously not easy for anyone. That could be one of our guys coming to England, who has been denied or not able to get the visa…” Sharma expressed hope that Bashir could join the team swiftly, enjoy the Indian experience, and contribute to the cricketing action.
Ben Stokes' Strong Support for Teammate
England skipper Ben Stokes echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the strong backing Bashir has from the team. Stokes shared, “When I first found the news out in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn’t fly until Bash gets his visa, but that was a little bit tongue in cheek. I know it’s a way bigger thing, doing that. That was probably just (my) emotions around the whole thing. There was never a chance that we were not going to travel around this, but Bash knows he’s had our full support.” Stokes expressed his devastation over the situation, acknowledging the emotional impact on the team.
Hope for a Swift Resolution
While the timeline for Shoaib Bashir’s arrival remains uncertain, Ben Stokes expressed optimism that the spinner could join the team over the upcoming weekend. Stokes mentioned, “I’m pretty devastated that Bash has had to go through this. As a leader, as a captain, when one of your team-mates is affected by something like that, you do get a bit emotional. I know he’s back in London, and a lot of people are jumping through hoops to try and get this through quicker. Hopefully, we’re going to see him here over the weekend.”
Conclusion: Unity in the Face of Challenges
As England prepares for the upcoming tour of India, the solidarity between players and support staff is evident in their unwavering support for Shoaib Bashir. CricAdvisor will keep a close eye on developments, providing comprehensive coverage of the tour, including insights and updates on Shoaib Bashir’s participation. Stay tuned for more on this cricketing journey that transcends borders.
