JAMES Hughes wasn’t able to join Alab Pilipinas’ road game against the Westports Malaysia Dragons on Sunday due to problems with the validity of his passport.
Alab Pilipinas coach Mac Cuan said Philippine immigration didn’t allow Hughes to fly to Malaysia as his United States passport will be expiring in six months. Malaysia has strict policies regarding the passport validity of travelers.
“Expiring in six months ’yung passport niya. Hindi siya pinalipad kasi strict daw sa Malaysia kahit American passport,” said Cuan.
Without the 6-foot-11 Hughes, Alab put up a gallant stand before bowing to the Westports Malaysia Dragons.
[See Vengeful Malaysia Dragons go on a late run to sink Alab Pilipinas in ABL]
The good news is that Alab Pilipinas will no longer have road games in Malaysia and Cuan assured Hughes can still play in other matches outside the Philippines.
Nevertheless, Cuan said they have asked Hughes to renew his passport to avoid travel issues with the team in the future.
“Malaysia lang naman hindi puwede ’yung six months expiring. Pero para sigurado, papaayos na din namin sa kanya today,” said Cuan.
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