Visa issue delays four Bangladesh ‘A’ members’ travel to Qatar

Four members, including three players, of the Bangladesh 'A' team for the upcoming Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament were unable to travel with the squad to Qatar on Wednesday due to visa delay.

The affected members are Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, and team analyst Nasir Ahmed Nasu.

"The flight was at 10:45am, but their visas were issued at 11:18am. That's why they couldn't fly with the team today. They will now travel to Qatar tomorrow morning," said Shahriar Nafees, BCB's cricket operations in-charge, while speaking to The Daily Star on Wednesday.

The eight-team Asia Cup Rising Stars T20 tournament will begin in Doha, Qatar, on November 14.

Bangladesh, placed in Group A, will open their campaign against the Hong Kong, China national team, on November 15, before facing Afghanistan 'A' and Sri Lanka 'A' on November 17 and 19, respectively.

Group B consists of 'A' teams from India, Pakistan, and national sides of the UAE, and Oman.

The top two sides from each group will advance to the semifinals on November 21, while the final is slated for November 23.

All matches will be played at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha.

Bangladesh squad: Akbar Ali (c), Jishan Alam, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Jawad Abrar, Ariful Islam, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Rakibul Hasan, SM Meherob Hossain, Abu Hider Rony, Tufayel Ahmed, Shadhin Islam, Ripon Mondol, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury.