Azizul Hakim to Lead Bangladesh at Youth World Cup

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially finalised its 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup, handing the captaincy to the gifted young batsman Azizul Hakim. This announcement heralds the start of a significant chapter for the nation’s youth system, with the touring party scheduled to depart Dhaka this coming Sunday for Zimbabwe. The tournament, which is being co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, represents the premier stage for burgeoning talent and serves as a vital developmental milestone ahead of the senior 2027 World Cup in the same region.

Entering the competition as the sixth-placed team from the 2024 edition, Bangladesh find themselves drawn into a formidable Group A. Their campaign will ignite on 17th January with a blockbuster opening fixture against India, a match that always carries significant emotional and competitive weight. The young Tigers will then pivot to face New Zealand on 20th January, before wrapping up their initial group commitments against the USA on 23rd January. These three matches will test the tactical acumen of Hakim and his vice-captain, Jawad Abrar, as they aim to secure a favourable seed for the subsequent knockout phases.

This year marks Bangladesh’s 15th foray into the Under-19 World Cup, a tournament they famously won in 2020. In an effort to replicate that historic success, the selectors have leaned on a core of experienced individuals. Specifically, the squad benefits from the inclusion of two veterans of the 2024 campaign: the express pace of Iqbal Hossain and the disciplined off-spin of Sheikh Paevez Jibon. Their previous exposure to the unique pressures of ICC events is expected to provide a steadying influence for the debutants within the ranks as they navigate the bouncy, pace-friendly tracks of Southern Africa.

Beyond the primary 15-man roster, the BCB has named a comprehensive list of seven standby players to ensure they are prepared for any unforeseen injuries or fitness issues during the rigorous schedule. As the team prepares to acclimatise to the high altitude and varying conditions of the African highveld, the national focus remains on fostering a new generation of cricketers capable of transitioning to the senior international stage. The journey begins in earnest this weekend, with a nation hopeful that Hakim can lead his side back to the pinnacle of youth cricket.

Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup Campaign Details