Viral Omani Bowler Denied UAE Visa Over Pakistani Birthplace
Imran Sultan, Shoaib Akhtar look-alike, misses Asia Cup due to visa denial
The cricket world was abuzz this week when news broke that Omani bowler Imran Sultan, who gained viral fame for his uncanny resemblance to Pakistani fast bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar, has been denied entry to the United Arab Emirates for the Asia Cup due to his Pakistani birthplace.
The 28-year-old cricketer, who was born in Dera Ismael Khan, Pakistan, but represents Oman internationally, was all set to participate in the prestigious tournament before visa complications arose.
Key Facts:
- Imran Sultan was born in Dera Ismael Khan, Pakistan
- He represents Oman in international cricket
- Gained viral fame for resembling Shoaib Akhtar
- Denied UAE visa ahead of Asia Cup tournament
- Oman Cricket has called for a replacement player
Player Profile: Muhammed Imran
Full Name: Muhammed Imran
Born: September 05, 1989, Dera Ismail Khan
Age: 34 years
Batting Style: Right hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right arm Fast medium
Teams: Oman
Muhammed Imran first came to the world’s notice when a video from the Oman D10 League went viral, in which the right-arm fast bowler, with his flowing hair, loping run-up and delivery stride, bore an uncanny resemblance to Shoaib Akhtar.
Born in Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan, Imran made his way to Karachi where he attended cricket trials and eventually found a place in the Karachi Under-19 side. In 2019, he fielded offers from franchise leagues in Oman after scouts spotted him in a video uploaded online.
After a strong showing for IAS Invincibles in the Oman D10 tournament, he was called up to the national side. He debuted in a T20I against USA in Al Amerat, where he took 3 for 23, albeit in a losing cause.
Career Statistics
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1* | 1.00 | 2 | 50.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1* | 1.00 | 2 | 50.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 1 | 1 | 36 | 37 | 0 | – | – | – | 6.16 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 2 | 2 | 33 | 42 | 4 | 3/23 | 3/23 | 10.50 | 7.63 | 8.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 1 | 1 | 36 | 37 | 0 | – | – | – | 6.16 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 2 | 2 | 33 | 42 | 4 | 3/23 | 3/23 | 10.50 | 7.63 | 8.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The Visa Denial
According to sources close to the Oman Cricket Board, Sultan’s visa application was rejected by UAE authorities solely because of his country of birth. Despite holding an Omani passport and being a legitimate member of the Omani national cricket team, his Pakistani birthplace became an insurmountable obstacle for entry into the UAE.
The UAE has strict visa regulations for Pakistani nationals, which apparently applied in this case despite Sultan’s status as an Omani international cricketer.
“It’s heartbreaking to see talented players miss opportunities due to administrative issues. Cricket should unite nations, not divide them.”
Impact on Oman’s Asia Cup Campaign
Imran Sultan was initially named in Oman’s squad for the Asia Cup, where they were set to face some of the continent’s cricketing powerhouses. His absence represents a significant blow to the team’s bowling attack, particularly in the pace department where Sultan was expected to play a leading role.
Oman Cricket has been forced to call up a replacement player at the last minute, disrupting their preparation for the tournament. Team officials have expressed disappointment at the situation but remain focused on putting together a competitive squad despite the setback.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes with complex national backgrounds in international sports. While global sporting bodies strive to promote inclusivity and fair competition, national immigration policies can sometimes create barriers that undermine these efforts.
The cricket community has reacted with disappointment to the news, with many fans and former players expressing solidarity with Sultan and calling for more flexibility in visa processes for accredited athletes participating in international tournaments.
The Road Ahead
Despite this setback, Imran Sultan’s cricketing journey is far from over. The Oman Cricket Board has stated that they will continue to support the talented bowler and ensure he gets future opportunities to represent his country on the international stage.
Meanwhile, the team’s focus has shifted to the upcoming tournament, where they will hope to compete strongly despite the last-minute change to their squad composition.
As for Sultan, his viral fame continues to grow as news of the visa denial spreads across social media, with many fans calling him the “Shoaib Akhtar of Oman” and expressing hope that he will soon get his chance to shine on the big stage.