NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a strong squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. On Saturday, the board named Azizul Hakim as the captain of the team, while Zawad Abrar has been appointed vice-captain. The tournament will see Bangladesh begin their campaign against India on January 17, a high-profile opening match that will test the team early.
While selecting the squad, the BCB focused on players who have both experience and good recent form. A total of 15 players have been picked for the main squad, along with eight standby players who can step in if injuries occur during the tournament. This approach shows the board’s intent to be well-prepared for any situation.Captain Azizul Hakim and his deputy Zawad Abrar have been among the most consistent performers in the youth setup. Since the last Under-19 World Cup, the pair have scored more than 1,000 runs in Youth ODIs. Another batter who could play a crucial role is Kalam Siddiki, who has scored 857 runs in the same period and has shown the ability to anchor innings.Bangladesh also have a strong bowling attack. Fast bowlers Iqbal Hossain and Al Fahad are expected to lead the pace department, especially in Zimbabwe, where conditions often help fast bowlers. Both have been successful since the previous Under-19 World Cup, with Iqbal picking up 45 wickets and Al Fahad claiming 43.Bangladesh have been placed in a challenging Group B, alongside India, New Zealand, and the USA. With three teams from each group progressing to the Super Six stage, every match will be important. Overall, 16 teams will compete in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, playing 41 matches before the tournament concludes with the final.
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