Bangladesh cricketer Soumya Sarkar has been excluded from the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan on account of visa issues, and Naim Sheikh is waiting for clearance to go to the UAE. Sarkar had rejoined the T20I team after the regular captain Litton Das was excluded from the series after injuring his side muscle during the Asia Cup 2025. Sarkar acquired his call-up after dazzling displays in the National Cricket League (NCL) T20, registering 63 and 45 in his first two games, and was spotted practicing at Sylhet on Tuesday, September 30. It is believed that acquiring his visa would take a couple of three days. The Sharjah T20I series is to be held on October 2, 3, and 5, following which the two sides will play a three-match ODI series. ODIs are to start on Wednesday at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh might also be deprived of the services of 26-year-old Naim Sheikh in case visa delays continue. Read also: Australia A players fall ill with stomach infection in Kanpur Talking of the series, Bangladesh dominated the three-match T20I series 2–0, having won the first T20I against Afghanistan by four wickets and the second by two wickets. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the current highest run-scorer with 70 runs, while Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has taken six wickets in the two games. Afghanistan would aim to take the third T20I to complete the series with a positive note and take momentum into the future 50-over format. Bangladesh will be hoping for a whitewash with a clean sweep. Bangladesh are uncertain for the last T20I against Afghanistan as Soumya Sarkar is out of action with visa problems and Naim Sheikh is yet to get clearance. Bangladesh, leading 2–0, hope to whitewash the series while Afghanistan hope to end on a positive note. The result will provide the tone for the upcoming ODI series as both teams prepare for the tournament.