Bangladesh football team Nepal trip delayed after biman flight cancellation

The Bangladesh national football team’s departure for Nepal was delayed on Wednesday after Biman Bangladesh Airlines canceled the scheduled flight due to a technical issue.

The team, led by Jamal Bhuiyan, is set to play two friendly matches against Nepal at Kathmandu’s Dashrath Stadium on September 6 and 9. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced a 23-member squad on Wednesday morning, though key players such as Leicester City’s Hamza Chowdhury will miss the tour.

The team was initially scheduled to depart on Biman flight BG-371 at 1:30 pm. However, a fuel tank leakage forced the airline to cancel the flight, leaving the players and coaching staff stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for several hours.

Biman station manager Nazmul Imam said the flight was rescheduled for 7 pm, and lunch was provided to the team during the wait.

The BFF confirmed that the squad finally departed on the rescheduled flight.

Amer Khan, team manager, said, "The team had completed all formalities in advance but had to wait due to the technical issue."