Snubbed for national team, Cuba Mitchell removes Bangladesh photos from Instagram

Cuba Mitchell has removed all Bangladesh-related photographs from his Instagram account amid growing uncertainty over his involvement with the national team.

The 20-year-old midfielder’s social media activity comes after Bangladesh head coach Thomas Dooley decided not to include him directly in the national team’s main training camp for the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup. Mitchell has reportedly been asked to attend a trial before being considered for the squad.

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Dooley defended the decision, saying he wanted to assess Mitchell in person before making a decision.
“I haven’t seen him. I’m not taking anyone into the main camp without seeing them, and I don’t know what kind of player he is,” Dooley told Banglatribune.“Of course, it would be different if someone played in the Premier League, Championship or the first or second division in England.”

The German coach said assessing a player before selecting him for the national team was a normal part of his job.

“Before making a decision about the national team, I want to see and judge a player. That’s normal, isn’t it?” he said. “I have said that I need to see the player before adding anyone to the final squad.”

There have also been reports of disagreement over travel expenses, with claims that Mitchell, who has already played for the senior team, was asked to attend the selection camp at his own cost.

The latest episode is not Mitchell’s first dispute with Bangladeshi football authorities. In January, he left Bangladesh Football League champions Bashundhara Kings after just six months of a three-year contract, citing unpaid wages.

The former Sunderland academy player recently signed for England's lower-tier side Stratford Town FC.