The Bangladesh ‘A’ cricket team departed Dhaka on Wednesday, 12 November, en route to Qatar to participate in the Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship. However, three players—Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mahidul Islam Ankon, and Mrityunjoy Chowdhury—were unable to travel with the squad due to visa complications. It is anticipated that all three will join the team in Doha on Thursday, 13 November, ahead of subsequent fixtures.
The tournament, which runs from 12 to 25 November at venues across Doha, features eight teams and has been elevated to List ‘A’ status. Formerly known as the Emerging Asia Cup, the competition has been rebranded as the Rising Stars Championship to reflect its focus on nurturing Asia’s next generation of cricketing talent.
The participating teams are divided into two groups:
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| A | Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong |
| B | Pakistan, India, UAE, Oman |
Bangladesh ‘A’ brings a blend of promising youngsters and emerging stars, led by captain Akbar Ali. The full squad comprises Zisan Alam, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Jawad Abrar, Ariful Islam, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahidul Islam Bhuiya, Rakibul Hasan, S M Meherab Hossain, Abu Haidar Rony, Tofayel Ahmed, Swadhin Islam, Ripon Mondal, Abdul Gaffar Saklain, and Mrityunjoy Chowdhury.
The late arrivals of Rabbi, Ankon, and Chowdhury may require the team management to adjust strategies for the opening match, particularly in balancing batting depth and bowling options. Nevertheless, the squad is expected to quickly integrate the trio once visa issues are resolved.
Tournament organisers have highlighted the Rising Stars Championship as a crucial platform for talent development in Asia, offering young cricketers exposure to international competition against the region’s most promising prospects. For Bangladesh, the event presents an opportunity to evaluate potential national team candidates, particularly those capable of performing under pressure in high-stakes matches.
Bangladesh ‘A’ will open their campaign against Sri Lanka in Group A, and with the team’s mix of experience and youthful exuberance, fans and selectors alike will be watching closely to gauge form, temperament, and adaptability. The Rising Stars Championship promises intense competition, skill development, and a glimpse of Asia’s cricketing future.