Tamim, Rubel's departure delayed

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal and pace bowler Rubel Hossain did not fly out with the team to the United Arab Emirates, where the Tigers will participate in the Asia Cup, yesterday due to visa complications.

Team manager Khaled Mahmud and chief selector Minhajul Abedin also failed to obtain visas and so, the four of them will join the squad as soon as they receive visas.

"There were some technical problems that prompted them to stay back in Dhaka, however, we are hopeful that Tamim, Rubel and Mahmud will obtain their visas within the next one or two days. After getting the visa, they will immediately depart for the UAE,'' said a BCB official requesting anonymity.

Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in the tournament opener on September 15 in Dubai while they will face Afghanistan in the last match of the group phase on September 20 in Abu Dhabi.

Vice-captain Shakib Al Hasan was expected to join the team directly in Dubai following his vacation in the United States of America.