By Zainab Shafiq 
West Indies will be without key spinner Akeal Hosein for the first T20I against England, after visa issues for cricketers from Trinidad and Tobago derailed travel plans. The series kicks off Friday evening in Chester-le-Street, but Hosein – along with newcomer Jyd Goolie – remains grounded due to recent UK entry changes.
Both players failed to obtain the necessary UK visas after new regulations for Trinidad and Tobago passport holders came into effect this spring. The changes required in-person appointments and formal applications, adding complexity to already tight schedules.
This visa hurdle has put West Indies’ preparations in a bind, especially as Hosein, a central figure in their T20 setup, had just completed his commitments with Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League. CWI had permitted him to stay in Pakistan through late May, making it impossible for him to complete the UK’s updated visa process in time.
Jyd Goolie’s situation was equally unlucky. Called in last minute for the Ireland leg of the tour after Roston Chase’s shift to Test captaincy, Goolie was unable to benefit from the short visa waiver period offered to T&T citizens. His call-up came after that transition period had already expired, leaving him without options.
As Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe explained, “We acted as quickly as possible after the UK’s updated policies were announced. But Akeal could only apply after returning to Trinidad, and Jyd’s selection came after the visa waiver deadline.”
While CWI is still working with UK authorities to resolve the matter in time for Hosein to feature in later games, the situation stresses broader issues affecting international sport. It mirrors concerns recently raised by Major League Cricket, where Afghan players may miss the upcoming season due to U.S. travel bans.
Akeal Hosein Was Selected Not Only For England T20I Series But Also for Ireland Series
Bascombe added:
“Akeal, who was selected for both the England and Ireland legs of the tour, was granted permission to fulfill his commitments with the extended Pakistan Super League until mid-May. Jyd was called up for the Ireland series after Roston Chase was named Test captain on May 16. Chase was set to leave the UK to join the Test camp in Barbados, creating an opening in the squad. However, Jyd was unable to secure the required visa waiver, as the transition period for Trinidad and Tobago residents had already expired.”
CWI emphasized its efforts to fast-track both players’ entries, but stressed that immigration remains beyond their control. Still, fans and teammates alike are hopeful that Hosein might yet return to the squad before the series ends.
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