After a two-year hiatus, the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup returns today, promising a thrilling showcase of young talent. Co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, the tournament will run from 15 January to 6 February 2026, featuring the world’s top 16 youth teams. Each squad, including Bangladesh, will have the chance to demonstrate their skills, strategies, and resilience on an international stage. Cricket enthusiasts are already brimming with anticipation, with discussions flourishing across social, local, and international platforms.
The 16 teams have been divided into four groups, with the top three from each group progressing to the Super Six stage. In this advanced phase, teams will be reorganised into two groups, intensifying competition and raising the stakes for a World Cup title. Bangladesh has been placed in Group B, alongside three teams from Group C. Securing a spot in the Super Six is crucial, as it presents a pathway to face tougher opponents and make a significant push for the championship.
Bangladesh’s U19 team is returning to the tournament with renewed vigour. While the 2020 U19 World Cup saw them lift the trophy in spectacular fashion, subsequent campaigns have been less successful. The team reached the quarter-finals in 2022 but failed to progress past the group stage in 2024. This year, a fresh squad, bolstered by new players and coaching staff, is stepping onto the field with confidence, determination, and energy.
Bangladesh will commence their campaign on 17 January 2026, facing India at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, in a Group B encounter. Their remaining group matches will be against New Zealand on 20 January and the United States on 23 January. Every match in the group stage carries high stakes, as early success is pivotal for Super Six qualification. The team’s objective is clear: leverage experience from previous tournaments, demonstrate skill and composure, and assert their presence on the international youth cricket stage once again.
Bangladesh U19 Group B Schedule:
| Group | Country | Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | Bangladesh | 17 January 2026 | India | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| B | Bangladesh | 20 January 2026 | New Zealand | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| B | Bangladesh | 23 January 2026 | USA | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
Preparation has been intensive. Through rigorous fitness and training camps, the team has strengthened both physically and mentally. Coaches have highlighted the emergence of promising pace bowlers and batsmen eager to prove themselves on an international platform. Emphasis has also been placed on fielding, batting, bowling, mental fortitude, and team cohesion—factors deemed essential for competing at the highest level.
Expectations for Bangladesh are high. Memories of the 2020 triumph continue to inspire this new generation, who are determined to leave their mark on the world stage. With skills, courage, and strategic acumen, Bangladesh’s young cricketers are ready to enthral fans in what promises to be a captivating ICC U19 World Cup.