Just 18 hours before Bangladesh’s opening T20I against the United Arab Emirates, young cricketers Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana were finally able to join the national team—bringing to an end a perplexing three-day detention at Dubai International Airport.
The pair had travelled with the first group of players on 14 May ahead of the two-match T20I series. While the rest of the squad cleared immigration without issue, Rishad and Nahid were stopped by airport authorities for what was described as a “document verification” process. This unexpectedly extended into a 72-hour saga during which the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) temporarily lost contact with the two players.
“They travelled with the team on the 14th, but unlike the others, they weren’t allowed through immigration,” said BCB media committee chairman Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu on 17 May. “Their documents were taken for review, and at one stage, we couldn’t even reach them. They had been issued proper visas from Bangladesh, so we’re still not sure why they were held.”
The BCB quickly intervened, liaising with the Emirates Cricket Board and the Bangladesh High Commission in Dubai. The issue was eventually resolved, and at around 2:30am local time on Friday, 17 May, Rishad and Nahid were finally released and cleared to leave the airport.
The precise reason for their extended detention remains unknown. Immigration officials have not provided an official explanation, but there is speculation that a previous brief visit to Dubai might have been a factor. Earlier this month, Rishad and Nahid travelled from Pakistan to the UAE via a special Pakistan Cricket Board-arranged flight, following the suspension of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) amid rising regional tensions. The duo returned to Bangladesh the next day, but there are suggestions that documentation related to that transit may have been incomplete.
“We suspect the issue may be linked to that earlier Dubai stopover—perhaps something to do with visa or entry records,” Iftekhar said. “But again, we can’t be sure. Immigration authorities typically don’t disclose such details.”
The delay meant both players missed two crucial days of training, including full team sessions on Thursday and Friday. Their availability for the series opener in Sharjah on 18 May will be determined based on their physical and mental condition.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play two T20Is against the UAE, with the second match set for 20 May at the same venue.