On the eve of Bangladesh’s departure for the U-19 Asia Cup in the UAE, one figure quietly stood out in the team’s final huddle. Six-foot-one, broad-shouldered and remarkably calm for a teenager, Rizan Hossain carries a rare blend of skills that Bangladesh’s youth cricket does not often produce. He bats high in the order, hits with authority and bowls right-arm fast with equal assurance, making him one of the most versatile young cricketers in the country.
As the defending champions prepare for another continental test, Rizan spoke with ‘The Daily Times of Bangladesh’ in a measured confidence, a mix of maturity and ambition that mirrors the team’s belief that their best cricket is still ahead of them.
Bangladesh completed an intensive preparation phase in December, followed by a short training stint in Dhaka. The buildup, Rizan said, has been “Alhamdulillah, very good”. The team focused on execution and clarity, ensuring every player understood his role before heading to UAE. “The Asia Cup is right in front of us. I hope it will be a good result,” he said.
As defending champions, the natural question was whether pressure would be a factor. Rizan brushed it aside. “No, I do not feel any pressure. Our coaching staff tells us to play match by match. If we do that, we will be able to become champions again.” His tone suggested a team grounded in process rather than overwhelmed by expectation.
Bangladesh’s group includes Afghanistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka being familiar rivals. The Afghans recently played a five match ODI series with Bangladesh while Sri Lanka’s youth sides have historically been strong in these competitions. Rizan welcomed the challenge. “Afghanistan is very good. They played with us recently. Sri Lanka is also good. I hope it will be a good match. I hope the result will be on our side,” he said, repeating his belief that the team has everything needed to succeed.
Last November Bangladesh hosted Afghan U-19 in a five match ODI series that ended in 2-2 draw, one match was washed away. But Rizan was among the top performers for the home side. In 4 matches he scored 158 runs and contributed the team with two wickets.
Before that he had an awesome outing in a tri nation series in Zimbawe which Bangladesh won. He scored 182 runs and took 10 wickets. Earlier in South africa tour, he scored back to back fifties in ODI series.
Now, Rizan is eyeing to keep that form going in the bigger stage. For Rizan himself, this Asia Cup is a stage to deepen his identity as a genuine allrounder. In the team’s balance, his role is crucial. “I want to play the role of an all-round batsman. I want to do it perfectly,” he said. “If I can bat, hit and bowl well, it will be good for me and my team. I will give my 100 percent effort.”
One of Bangladesh’s biggest strengths this time, Rizan believes, is the abundance of allrounders. “Batting, bowling and fielding are all good. But moreover, our team has a lot of allrounders. Like Tamim and Ratul alongside me. We have Jibon as well this time. They are very good allrounders. That will be a huge boost for the team.”
Bangladesh will start the tournament with their sights on the title, but Rizan maintained a cautious balance. “We are definitely going for the championship. But being champion is far away. We will progress match by match. We will go according to the matches. We are eying the final.”.
