Newport have become the latest cricket club in Shropshire to become frustrated by red tape in their bid to get their overseas pro into the country.

They had hoped to have Rajat Bhatia available for tomorrow’s must-win Birmingham League division three clash with Eastnor.

The allrounder has been on duty with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League in South Africa.

He returned to India last weekend and it was hoped that he would obtain the necessary visas/work permits to enable him to travel to the UK this week in time for tomorrow’s clash.

But despite all the Audley Avenue club’s efforts, the necessary documents have still not been issued to the player.

“Obviously we are very disappointed about this,” said club chairman Bob Williams. “We have invested a lot of time, effort and money into bringing Rajat back to Newport.

“We have been told that the authorities are happy with the paperwork we have provided. It seems however that there is a backlog in Delhi and despite our best efforts, we have been so far unable to speed up the process.”

Oswestry have given up hope of bringing their South African target Wessel Hartslief to the country due to immigration red tape, while Wellington are hoping their pro Sean Clingleheffer will finally arrive next week after delays.