Rubel denied boarding pass to travel SA

Sports Desk: Bangladesh national cricket team have already arrived in South Africa, travelling in two groups on September 16.

 

Five cricketers flew for South Africa in the morning while 10 left Dhaka in the evening, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

 

In the evening flight, test skipper Mushfiqur Rahim was accompanied by Mustafizur Rahman, Soumya Sarker, Imrul Kayes, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shafiul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mominul Haque and Rubel Hossain.

 

It has been learnt that the right-arm bowler Rubel Hossain was sent back from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

 

Authority of the flight carrying Bangladesh cricketers did not issue boarding pass to Rubel as they did not receive immigration clearance for him to tour South Africa.

 

When asked BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Sujon said, "A new rule has been practiced that cricketers have to tour with "OK to Board" clearance paper. The plane authority receives it. Though they got papers for all, but did not receive it for Rubel. And that's why Rubel could not fly to South Africa."

 

"We are contacting South Africa Cricket Board. The issue will be resolved soon. Rubel will be sent immediately we get the paper," he added.

 

Cricket South Africa could not work on the issue as it was weekly holidays on Saturday and Sunday. 

 

BCB believes they will get the paper within today or tomorrow and they can send Rubel soon.

 

Meanwhile Bangladesh team started their practice at Benoni in South Africa on MondayShuvashish Roy reached South Africa from England. Opener Tamim Iqbal also joined the team.

 

risingbd/Dhaka/September 19, 2017/Yeasin/A K Azad