Bangladesh cricketer Saif Hassan was detained at the Kolkata airport for staying in India on an expired visa on Tuesday. The batsman had to pay a penalty of Rs 21,600 in order to fly back home next evening. Hassan arrived with the Bangladesh team as a back-up opener for the Test series but missed the day-night Test at Eden Gardens due to a split webbing and stayed back with his team without a clue that his six-month visa had already expired.
“His (Hassan) visa expired two days ago and he realised it only at the airport. He could not board the booked flight. As per the new rules of overstay, he had to pay the fine,” Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner Toufique Hassan said. “Thankfully the Indian High Commission processed his visa and gave him the exit clearance and he left for home yesterday.”
Following their loss on Sunday, the Bangladeshi players returned home on that evening while Saif and the rest of the team were scheduled to leave on Monday. But the young opener was held up at the NSCBI airport for overstaying and paid a hefty sum before leaving for his country.
