Rubel denied immigration clearance to fly to South Africa

Fast bowler Rubel Hossain could not travel with the Bangladesh Test squad to Johannesburg on Saturday after he was denied a boarding pass by the airlines. Till this report was filed, Rubel remained in Dhaka and his availability for Bangladesh’s three-day warm-up match against SA Invitations XI from September 21, remained in doubt.

Even though Rubel had a valid visa like his team-mates, the South Africa immigration authorities have a new provision in which, despite anyone having a visa, they issue “Okay to board” assurances to the airlines, specifying who can fly. Rubel’s name was missing from that list.

Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that the board was communicating with Cricket South Africa while the airlines were also aiding them to quickly resolve the issue.

“There is a new provision that the passenger needs to have an ‘Okay to Board’ clearance from the ultimate destination. It is the responsibility of the concerned airlines before issuing the boarding pass to any individual,” Chowdhury explained. “We are in touch with Cricket South Africa and hopefully, the matter will be resolved soon. He will fly to South Africa with the first available flight once the matter is resolved.”

Rubel was one of three players - alongside Subhasis Roy and Mahmudullah - to have earned a recall in the Bangladesh Test side. There are, however, four other fast bowlers in the touring party, including Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam and Subashis, that Bangladesh can rely on.

Source: ESPNcricinfo