'There was paperwork discrepancy and...' - ECB releases official statement on 'Rehan Ahmed visa concern' ahead of 3rd Test in Rajkot

Within a few days after the visa controversy with the young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, England faced another visa issue in the ongoing five-match Test Series against India. This time, the England player who faced the visa issue is Rehan Ahmed; he was denied entry at the Hirasar Airport on Tuesday just a few days ahead of the third Test of the five-match series against England.

However, the issue was sorted for a time being by the local authorities at the Rajkot Airport, issuing a temporary visa to Rehan for an entry and stay, in Rajkot, alongside the rest of the England squad. However, things might be complicated, and there are many more steps to be followed by the authorities to ensure Rehan stays in India alongside England for the final 3 Tests against the hosts.

Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board also issued an official statement about the incident through a media release. ECB also spoke about the process followed by local authorities at Rajkot Airport.

Here’s what the ECB said in its official statement

“On returning to India, we were advised that there was a paperwork discrepancy with Rehan Ahmed's visa. 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,” reads an official ECB statement.

Notably, the third Test of the five-match series between India and England will start on Thursday, February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.

“The England team has been advised to process the visa again which will be happening in the next two days. The player was allowed to enter the country with the rest of the team and he will be appearing in practice on Tuesday,” an Indian Cricket Board official was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.