Passport and visa issues have left the national senior cricket team in Australia without a doctor and the under-19 side in the UAE without a team manager. Sohail Saleem, who was named as the official team doctor for the series in Australia and New Zealand, is yet to join the team. A reliable source in the PCB said that “the Pakistan Cricket Board is still trying to get a visa for Dr. Saleem, and as soon as it comes, he will join the side in Australia in time for the first Test in Perth.”
He said similarly, former Test batsman Shoaib Muhammad, who was named manager of the Pakistan junior side taking part in the Asia Cup in the UAE, has also been unable to leave the squad.
"Shoaib had some expired passport issues, which the board is sorting out, and hopefully he will also soon reach the UAE to take charge,” the source said.
Ironically, even the off-spinner, Sajid Khan, who is set to replace Abrar Ahmed in the Pakistan squad in Australia, has also had his departure delayed due to visa issues.
The source also admitted that before naming the officials in any touring squad, the board should make certain they will leave with their teams on schedule.