Rubel Hossain set to join the Bangladesh team after obtaining NOC

Bangladeshi speedster Rubel Hossain is all set to join his team for two-match Test series. He finally got a green signal and was able to obtain the requisite No Objection Certificate. His departure was delayed by a bizarre case of mistaken identity involving a look-a-like namesake with a criminal record.

Rubel had to wait a week long and was only allowed after officials proved that he was not the unknown man barred by South African authorities, who had the same name, identical face and other personal details. Expressing surprise at how the events panned out the Bangladesh cricketer said, ‘It was quite an experience for me’.

Sigh of relief for Rubel

“We received a photo, name and other information and all these things completely matched with Rubel though the person was different. The person they had banned was not our player Rubel,” Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan told mid-day.

Because of the delay, Rubel missed the three-day warm-up match at Benoni, which ended in a draw. Imrul Kayes and Sabbir Rahman knocked up the fifties and eventually helped visitors to a solid position. Albeit, when everything was falling in place for Bangladesh, Tamim Iqbal’s fitness is still a mystery they seek solution to as he didn’t come out to bat in the game.

The assignment

It is expected that Rubel will be available for selection for first of two Test matches which is set to start at Potchefstroom on September 28. The second and final Test match will be played at Bloemfontein staring on October 6. The month-long tour also includes limited overs action which will comprises of three ODIs followed by two T20 Internationals.

In last year and a half, the Bangladeshi team has been able to put up a strong case and will be hoping to produce another upset in the African nation.