USA's Shayan Jahangir misses first ODI of tri-series in Oman due to visa issue

USA wicketkeeper-batter Shayan Jahangir missed the first ODI of the tri-series against Namibia going on currently at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat, Oman due to visa issues. With Shayan missing the contest, there are concerns in the USA’s camp whether the stumper-batter will be part of their squad for the second game against the hosts Oman on February 12.  

Jahangir, a Pakistan-born player, faced similar issues during his team’s preparatory campaign for the tri-nation series held in India. As the campaign venue was decided abruptly, he was forced to stay out of the travelling side to the sub-continent nation. The visa process for Pakistanis travelling to India takes a lot of time which led to his non-participation in the camp. However, the visa hurdle for Oman is strange as the visa process for Pakistanis travelling to the gulf nation isn’t complicated.

Shayan is an important part of our team, and we absolutely want him in Oman with the team: USA Cricket spokesperson

Shayan has done extremely well with his bat recently, smashing a superb ton against Nepal in the second Cricket World Cup League game played at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium. Noting the opener’s recent batting figures, Shayan’s side will miss his services. In the stumper’s absence, Smit Patel was seen handling the wicketkeeping and opening responsibilities.  

"Shayan is an important part of our team, and we absolutely want him in Oman with the team. Unfortunately, due to an administrative issue with his visa for entry, through no fault of his own, Shayan was not able to travel with the squad and will not be able to compete at the upcoming ICC CWC League 2 fixtures. We're disappointed and will work to understand why this unfortunate decision has been made" said a USA Cricket spokesperson on the issue.

Smit Patel fails to be impactful with his bat in Shayan’s unavailability. The right-handed batter got dismissed after scoring only three off nine in the fourth over of the match against Namibia earlier today. JJ Smit trapped the wicket-keeper batter with his left-arm spin.