Mustafizur Rahman's Sussex debut delayed due to visa issues

It has been a long wait for the Sussex team for getting the latest bowling sensation from Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman to feature for them in the NatWest T20 Blast. He has been facing some issues with his visa, which is the reason for a delay in his debut.

Mustafizur couldn’t leave on July 13 as it was planned, which means he will miss his scheduled debut for Sussex on July 15 against Hampshire. Now, he will be looking forward to the making his Natwest T20 Blast debut against Hampshire on July 15.

According to a BCB spokesman, the visa procedure is set to be completed “any day”, upon which Mustafizur will immediately fly out. From now on, he can play a maximum of 7 matches in the 2016 English season.

The left-arm pacer from Bangladesh had already missed out most of Sussex’s T20 and one-day campaign due to multiple injuries on his right leg following the IPL 2016. He had a great season in the IPL, and was a part of the David Warner led champion side, Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was awarded the ‘Emerging player of the tournament’ as well.

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Earlier, when he was injured, the Sussex coach had expressed his disappointment saying, “I spoke to the Bangladesh head coach and he said he would be assessed after two weeks, which is now,” Davis said. “It hasn’t been easy to nail Bangladesh down. Their coach has been the one I have got most direction from. But we are also dealing with physios and trainers who are putting things on the internet. I am sure we will get it nailed down.”

Two weeks back, the BCB had cleared Mustafizur to play for Sussex. “Our medical team has given a positive report about Mustafizur Rahman’s physical condition,” BCB spokesman Jalal Yunus told AFP. He is doing fine in training at the moment and we expect him to improve by the time he leaves for the UK. He will leave for England on July 13 subject to visa availability.”