AFG vs BAN 2025: Soumya Sarkar ruled out due to visa issues, Naim Sheikh awaits clearance

AFG vs BAN 2025: Soumya Sarkar ruled out due to visa issues, Naim Sheikh awaits clearance. (Photo Source: X/Twitter)

Bangladesh cricketer Soumya Sarkar has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan due to visa complications, while Naim Sheikh awaits clearance to travel to the UAE. Sarkar had returned to the T20I setup after regular captain Litton Das was ruled out of the series with a side muscle strain sustained during the Asia Cup 2025.

Sarkar earned his call-up following impressive performances in the National Cricket League (NCL) T20, scoring 63 and 45 in his first two matches, and was seen practicing in Sylhet on Tuesday, September 30. It is understood that obtaining his visa may take up to three days.

The T20I series in Sharjah is scheduled for October 2, 3, and 5, after which the two teams will contest a three-match ODI series. The ODIs are set to begin on Wednesday at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. If visa delays persist, Bangladesh could also be without the services of 26-year-old Naim Sheikh.

"We sent all the necessary papers on time. Not just Soumya - Naim Sheikh's visa hasn't arrived either. Once it does, he'll leave immediately. We kept waiting till yesterday (for Soumya), and even if he had got the visa at night, he was ready to fly. But since today's the last T20, there's no point in going now. It's unfortunate," said the BCB cricket operations chairman as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"Getting UAE visas has become quite complicated recently, so nothing can be confirmed in advance," he added.

Speaking about the series, Bangladesh lead the three-match T20I series 2–0, having defeated Afghanistan by four wickets in the first T20I and by two wickets in the second. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is currently the leading run-scorer with 70 runs, while Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan has picked up six wickets across the two matches.

Afghanistan will look to win the third T20I to finish the series on a positive note and carry momentum into the upcoming 50-over format. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be aiming for a clean sweep to whitewash the series.