Akeal Hosein and Jyd Goolie, two young stars of the West Indies cricket team, are in the midst of major visa troubles. These further complications are keeping them from making it to the United Kingdom to participate. The nuisances come just before the squad’s first T20 gear against England, which is scheduled for this Friday at Chester-le-Street.
It’s of note that Akeal Hosein, 32, who currently sits second in the world T20 bowling rankings. He was supposed to be the linchpin of the Americans’ Gold Cup run against England. He would be absolutely pivotal in the two-legged showpiece to come against Ireland. His passport remains with the authorities due to visa issues. That puts his availability for their first group game against England in considerable doubt.
28-year-old uncapped Jyd Goolie has recently joined the squad. He has already been selected to play in the next three-match T20 series against Ireland. He came in for Roston Chase, who only last month was made West Indies Test captain. Goolie’s inclusion as a call-up to represent Canada was a tremendous opportunity for him to show that he has talent on the international stage. Visa problems have lately thrown his debut into question.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has assured that it is doing everything in its power to ensure these visa issues are sorted out. These new updated UK entry requirements meant that both Hosein and Goolie had to show up for required in-person appointments that were located in Trinidad. CWI representatives acknowledged that the processes are ultimately under the purview of UK immigration authorities and thus largely out of their control.
“As soon as the updated visa requirements were announced, CWI began the necessary application processes. This was only possible after Akeal returned to Trinidad, and following the confirmation of Jyd’s selection to the Ireland squad.” – Miles Bascombe
Even with these challenges, CWI is cautiously optimistic that this will be resolved in the near future. The organization is hopeful to ensure Hosein joins his new teammates soon. They are calling for him to play in the 3 match series against Ireland that follows the series against England.
“CWI remains optimistic that the matter will be resolved in the coming days, allowing Hosein to join the squad for the remaining matches.” – CWI
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