Azizul Hakim to lead Bangladesh at Under-19 World Cup
Zawad Abrar will be the vice-captain as Bangladesh made just one change to the side from the recent Under-19 Asia Cup
ESPNcricinfo staff
02-Jan-2026 • 2 hrs ago
Zawad Abrar will be Bangladesh's vice-captain at the Under-19 World Cup • CREIMAS/ACC
Bangladesh are banking on their tried-and-tested players of the last two years in their squad for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup. Azizul Hakim will lead the side that has played the most Youth ODIs since the last World Cup held in 2024. He has Zawad Abrar as his deputy, with the two the only batters during this period to score 1000-plus runs.
Bangladesh also have in their squad the top three wicket-takers from the same period. That includes fast bowlers Iqbal Hossain and Al Fahad, and left-arm spinner Samiun Basir, with Fahad returning after missing the Under-19 Asia Cup held in December. He is the only change from that side, having replaced Md Sobuj.
Much will depend, however, on Hakim and Abrar. Rizan Hossan and Kalam Siddiki have also been among the runs, and Rifat Beg rounds up the batting stronghold. Hakim and Rizan will also be expected to contribute with the ball, having taken more than 20 wickets each since the last edition.
Bangladesh have to bring their A-game in the tournament where they are drawn with India, New Zealand and USA in Group B. Three teams each from the four groups will qualify for the Super Sixes, before the semi-finals and the final.
The Bangladesh team will depart for Zimbabwe, co-hosts of the World Cup, on Sunday night. The tournament will be played in Harare, Bulawayo and Windhoek.
Bangladesh squad for Under-19 World Cup
Azizul Hakim (capt), Zawad Abrar, Samiun Basir, Sheikh Paevez, Rizan Hossan, Shaharia Al Amin, Shadin Islam, Md Abdullah, Farid Hasan, Kalam Siddiki, Rifat Beg, Saad Islam, Al Fahad, Shahriar Ahmed, Iqbal Hossain