Scotland's T20 World Cup Squad Faces Visa Hurdles Ahead of India Trip

New Delhi. Scotland, which has secured a place in the T20 World Cup, has announced its 15-member squad for the tournament. The team is preparing to travel to India this week, but uncertainty has arisen regarding the visas for some players, including Pakistani-origin fast bowler Safyaan Sharif.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured Cricket Scotland that it is working to expedite the Indian visas. Due to diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, citizens of Pakistani origin often face delays in obtaining Indian visas. Scotland is scheduled to play its first match against the West Indies in Kolkata on February 7.

Cricket Scotland Chief Executive, Trudy Lindbladh, stated that the visa process is always a bit uncertain, and their focus for the last 48 hours has been ensuring the players can reach India on time. She mentioned that the ICC is coordinating with the BCCI and local authorities on this matter and expressed confidence that everyone will receive their permits before the match.

A key bowler for the team, Safyaan Sharif, was born in Huddersfield, England. His father is Pakistani and his mother is British-Pakistani. He moved to Scotland at the age of 7. It is suspected that his visa is delayed precisely because of this 'Pakistani connection'. As a precaution, Scotland has also named 2 traveling and 3 non-traveling reserve players, so that the team does not face issues taking the field if there are visa delays.

This time, the Scottish squad features three major changes compared to the 2024 World Cup. Chris Sole, who bowls at a speed of 145 km/h, is not in the squad this time. He is currently busy building his career in the recruitment sector, which is why he is out of the team. In his place, Tom Bruce, who has played 17 T20Is for New Zealand, will now be seen in the Scottish jersey. Furthermore, 19-year-old fast bowler Junaid Khan Ehsan, born in Afghanistan, has received his first opportunity.

Upon reaching India, Scotland will play warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Namibia in Bengaluru on February 2 and 4. After that, the team will travel to Kolkata.

Scotland is placed in Group 'B' of the World Cup along with the West Indies, Italy, England, and Nepal. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super-8 stage.

The 15-member squad announced by Scotland includes Richie Berrington (Captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Ollie Davidson, Chris Greaves, Junaid Khan Ehsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay Macreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, and Brad Wheal.

Jasper Davidson and Jack Jarvis have been named as reserve players.