"We Shouldn't Fly Until...": Ben Stokes Shares First Reaction To Shoaib Bashir Visa Row

The delay in issuance of an Indian visa to rookie England off-spinner Shoaib Bashir snowballed into a major controversy on the eve of a much-hyped Test series between the two countries with visiting skipper Ben Stokes calling the turn of events "frustrating" and a British government spokesperson demanding "fair" treatment for the youngster. The 20-year-old, who plays for Somerset in the English county, was forced to head back to England from the team's Abu Dhabi training base after a prolonged wait to secure an Indian visa. His family is of Pakistani heritage.

Bashir, who is a shock inclusion in the squad with a mediocre 10 wickets from just six first-class games, was never in contention for a place in the squad for the opening Test starting here on Thursday.

"When I first found the news out in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn't fly until Bash gets his visa," Stokes said in the pre-match press conference.

"But that was a little bit tongue in cheek. I know it's a way bigger thing than doing that. That was probably just emotions around the whole thing. I'm pretty devastated that Bash has had to go through this," he added.

An unnamed British government spokesperson told 'ESPNcricinfo that it isn't the first time that citizens of Pakistani heritage have faced a delay in securing Indian visas.

"The specifics of this case are a matter for Shoaib Bashir and the Indian Government. But we absolutely 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," he said.

India have, so far, not commented on the matter.

Bashir is back in London and Stokes hoped that