Why is Pakistan cricket team playing in Australia without a doctor?

Visa and passport problems have caused a shortage of key staff members for the national senior cricket team in Australia and the under-19 side in the UAE. Sohail Saleem, who was appointed as the team doctor for the series in Australia and New Zealand, has not yet been able to join the team. According to news reports quoting sources, efforts are still being made to obtain a visa for Dr. Saleem, and once it is granted, he will join the team in Australia before the first Test in Perth.

Similarly, former Test batsman Shoaib Muhammad, who was designated as the manager for the Pakistan junior side participating in the Asia Cup in the UAE, has also been unable to travel with the team. The source stated that Shoaib is facing issues with an expired passport, which the board is currently resolving. It is hoped that he will soon be able to reach the UAE and assume his duties.

Ironically, even off-spinner Sajid Khan, who is set to replace Abrar Ahmed in the Pakistan squad in Australia, has experienced a delay in his departure due to visa complications. The source admitted that before announcing the officials accompanying any touring squad, it is crucial for the board to ensure that they will be able to travel with their teams as scheduled.

Pakistan is scheduled to play first Test against Australia from December 14 in Perth.

Pakistan squad for Australia Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Australia’s First Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, and David Warner.