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Soumya Sarkar likely to miss Bangladesh's 1st T20I against Afghanistan due to visa delay: Report

Rajgeeta Yadav

Soumya Sarkar likely to miss AFG series due to visa [Source: AFP]Soumya Sarkar likely to miss AFG series due to visa [Source: AFP]

Bangladesh batter Soumya Sarkar is facing uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan as he has yet to receive his visa for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The three-match series, starting on October 2 in Sharjah, was set to mark Soumya’s return to international cricket after almost a year. However, delays in visa processing mean he is unlikely to feature in the opening game. 

BCB confirms Soumya Sarkar yet to receive UAE Visa

According to a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official, the team is still waiting for the approval. 

"Till now he did not get the visa (for UAE) and we are waiting for it but if we can get it(visa) tomorrow he will fly as soon as possible," a BCB official confirmed to Cricbuzz.

Soumya, 32, was recalled to the squad after captain Litton Das was sidelined with a side strain. With Litton unavailable, wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali has been handed the captaincy. 

Notably, the left-handed opener last played a T20I in December 2024 against West Indies. His comeback was expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s top order, especially after he impressed selectors with scores of 63 and 45 in domestic T20 matches. Unfortunately, visa issues have now put his availability in doubt.

Soumya has struggled with injuries over the past year, which saw him miss the T20I series against UAE and Pakistan. His return was considered crucial as Bangladesh look to build momentum ahead of the ODI World Cup later this year.

The series against Afghanistan begins on October 2, with the 2nd and 3rd T20Is scheduled for October 3 and 5, all to be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. After the T20Is, the two teams will face each other in a three-match ODI series.

If Soumya manages to secure his visa in the coming days, he is expected to join the squad before the second match. Until then, Bangladesh may have to rely on their existing batting lineup to take on a strong Afghan side.