The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on February 13 released a statement and addressed the visa issues faced by the country's young all-rounder Rehan Ahmed upon arriving at Rajkot airport on February 12 to participate in the 3rd Test against India. The ECB addressed the 'paperwork discrepancy' with Rehan's visa that ultimately led to his detainment at the Rajkot airport. The ECB also said that Rehan was granted a temporary visa at the Rajkot airport and the leg-spinner will continue to prepare with rest of the England squad.
"We were advised, on returning to India, that there was paperwork discrepancy with Rehan Ahmed's visa," the ECB said in a statement, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
"The local authorities at Rajkot Airport were supportive, enabling Rehan entry on a temporary visa. The correct visa should be processed and issued in the coming days. He will continue to prepare with the rest of the squad ahead of the third Test," the statement added.
Second England player after Shoaib Bashir to face visa issues
On February 12, England's young leg-spinner, 19-year-old Rehan Ahmed, encountered visa complications at Hirasar airport in Rajkot, just before the third Test against India. This incident marked him as the second player of Pakistani descent in the England squad to face visa issues, following Shoaib Bashir.
Sportstar reported that the obstacle preventing Rehan from leaving the airport was his possession of a single-entry visa, which became invalid following his return to Abu Dhabi. The England team, under Ben Stokes' leadership, had retreated to Abu Dhabi for a training camp in preparation for the series. Upon their return to India after a week-long break, it was discovered that Rehan lacked the necessary multi-entry visa.
Authorities at the airport detained Rehan temporarily while local officials were engaged to expedite the issuance of a two-day visa, allowing him to stay in the country.
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