Due to a Pakistani background, a Birmingham-based cricketer has been struggling to get an Indian visa.
Saqib Maqsood is Birmingham-born first class quick bowler who has bagged 64 wickets in 2018, most by any bowler in the County Championship while playing for Lancashire.
For his phenomenal records, Bailey was voted the PCA’s Championship Player of the Year. The performance also earned him a late call for England’s Lions squad as a cover for Saqib Mahmood.
However, he has still not received an Indian visa, due to his Pakistani background.
English Cricket Board (ECB) on its website that ‘they were hopeful that the issue can be resolved in the next few days.’
Due to this ‘administration delay,’ Saqib has not flown with the team, and the 27-year-old fast bowler Tom Bailey has been named as his immediate cover.
England Lions are set to visit India where they will play five 50-over matches against India A in Kerala and two unofficial four-day Test matches in February.
England Lions coach Andy Flower, while talking to ECB website, said:
Both sides will want to play good, winning cricket but I think we all understand that it’s the development opportunity for these high potential youngsters that we’re after.” England Lions head coach, told the ECB website.
Via: ESPN Cricinfo
19 years of age? He is 27.