West Indies Akeal Hosein Ruled Out England T20I Due Visa Issues

West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein and fellow Trinidadian Jyd Goolie have been unable to participate in the initial T20I match and potentially the entire series against England due to updated UK visa requirements for Trinidad and Tobago citizens. The new regulations, effective from April and May 2025, mandate submission of visa applications and mandatory in-person appointments in Trinidad, which Hosein could not complete in time because he was engaged in the Pakistan Super League, while Goolie missed a visa waiver opportunity due to the expiration of the transition period. Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe explained that these visa issues are governed by UK immigration authorities and are beyond the cricket board's control. Despite efforts to expedite the visa process, Hosein remains in Trinidad with his passport held by authorities, and both players are likely to miss the early matches. Roston Chase will stay with the T20 squad during the England series but will later rejoin the Test team for an upcoming series against Australia. The CWI remains hopeful that Hosein and Goolie will resolve their visa issues in time to join the squad for the remaining matches.