Rehan Ahmed in action (Courtesy: Rehan Ahmed/X)

After Shoaib Bashir faced visa issues and failed to participate in the first Test vs India, another controversy arose around his young spin compatriot Rehan Ahmed. The 19-year-old was stopped at Hirasar Airport in Rajkot ahead of the third Test, starting from February 15. However, the local airport authorities cleared the visa issue for Rehan Ahmed temporarily, with the correct visa set to be issued in a few days.

“We were advised, on returning to India, that there was 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,” the ECB said in a statement on Tuesday.

The visitors traveled to Abu Dhabi after the second Test to spent time with their families and enjoy golf during the 10-day break. While returning back to India, Ahmed was stopped at the airport as he held a single-entry visa only.

As far as cricket is concerned, Ahmed has matured as a spinner in Indian conditions. He has claimed eight wickets in two Tests, including six in the second Test against India in Vishakhapatnam.

His bowling routine on the Indian conditions has all been about adapting to the conditions. His most common way of dismissing the batters has been caught behind. And Stokes has used him at different situations, including as late in the game as the 61st over in the final innings of the last Test.

Ahmed is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing five-Test series with eight scalps, behind Jasprit Bumrah, Tom Hartley, and Ravichandran Ashwin.