New Captain Named for Bangladesh Youth Squad

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed that Azizul Hakim will spearhead the nation’s title hopes at the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup. In a squad announcement that balances continuity with fresh potential, Hakim has been entrusted with the captaincy for the prestigious tournament, with Jawad Abrar serving as his deputy. The fifteen-man roster is due to depart Dhaka this coming Sunday, heading for Zimbabwe to begin a rigorous acclimatisation period ahead of the opening fixtures in mid-January.

Co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, this biennial event is often regarded as a crystal ball for the future of the sport, especially as these nations prepare to host the senior ODI World Cup in 2027. For Bangladesh, this marks their 15th foray into the competition. While they famously secured the trophy in 2020, their most recent outing in 2024 saw them finish in sixth place. To improve upon that standing, the selection committee has included two vital veterans of the previous campaign—pace bowler Iqbal Hossain and off-spinner Sheikh Paevez Jibon—whose experience on the world stage will be indispensable for the debutants in the squad.

The “Young Tigers” have been placed in Group A, arguably one of the most competitive brackets in the tournament. Their quest begins with a high-stakes encounter against India on 17th January, a match that traditionally draws massive viewership and significant emotional investment. Following the opener, Bangladesh will face the tactical challenge of New Zealand on 20th January, before concluding their group-stage journey against the USA on 23rd January. Success in these initial rounds is paramount for securing a favourable position in the knockout stages.

In addition to the primary travelling party, the BCB has named seven standby players to remain on high alert. This foresight ensures that the team can maintain its momentum should injuries occur in the challenging Southern African conditions. With the tournament officially commencing on 15th January, the focus for Hakim and his teammates is now entirely on the transition from the slow, turning tracks of the subcontinent to the faster, more unpredictable pitches of the African highveld.

Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup: Campaign Overview