The Bangladesh under-19 cricket team is heading into the upcoming Asia Cup with confidence, despite being the defending champions from the past two editions. Coach Navid Newaz described the preparation camp as productive, even though it was held over a short period. He stressed that the team is focused on enjoying cricket rather than feeling pressure to defend their title.
Bangladesh will compete in Group B alongside Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The tournament will take place entirely in Dubai, with the junior Tigers opening their campaign against Afghanistan at the ICC Academy Ground on 13 December. After a one-day break, they will face Nepal at The Sevens Stadium on 15 December, before concluding their group matches against Sri Lanka at the ICC Academy Ground on 17 December.
The squad held a brief training camp in Sylhet ahead of the tournament, having already played a series of matches over recent months. Navid said,
“Yes, the Asia Cup camp was productive. The camp was short because the boys have been playing a lot of cricket during this period. We planned a short camp and I think we managed to cover everything necessary.”
Asked about the pressure of defending the title, he added,
“I hope not. This is just another tournament and everything depends on how you play. Any team can perform well on the day. We have discussed that following the processes planned for all players is essential. The main thing is to enjoy cricket and have fun throughout the Asia Cup.”
Navid also highlighted the importance of team cohesion, saying,
“Working as a team, supporting each other over 10–12 days, making sure no one feels alone, enjoying each other’s successes, and seeing how we handle pressure moments—this is crucial. The main thing is that we aim to be capable of reaching the top.”
Regarding squad selection, Navid confirmed that all-rounder Debashish Deba had been left out and replaced by Sheikh Parvez Jibon, who brings more professional experience. Jibon has played in the U19 World Cup and has been a regular in domestic competitions, including the NCL, over the past two years. Navid explained,
“The main idea was to include Jibon instead of Deba. Jibon is a player suitable for the World Cup and the team values him. He has been given a lot of domestic cricket opportunities in the NCL because he also played in the previous World Cup. We felt we could include him directly at the next stage without going through the under-19 team. There was an all-rounder spot to fill, and while Deba has performed well at times, this spot was better suited for Jibon.”
Bangladesh will have limited practice time in Dubai, with only one session scheduled ahead of their matches. Navid said,
“Yes, that is normal. Typically, practice sessions during the Asia Cup are limited, and the board arranges them as needed. If we require another session, we must notify them at least 24 hours in advance, and it will be arranged.”
The Bangladesh under-19 squad for the tournament:
Azizul Hakim Tamim (captain), Zawad Abrar (vice-captain), Mohammad Samiun Basir Ratul, Sheikh Parvez Jibon, Mohammad Rijan Hossain, Swadhin Islam, Mohammad Abdullah, Farid Hasan Faisal, Kalam Siddiqui Allen, Iqbal Hossain Imon, Rifat Beg, Shahriar Al Amin, Ahmed Shahriar, Sad Islam Rajin, and Mohammad Sabuj.
Bangladesh under-19 Asia Cup schedule:
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Bangladesh vs Afghanistan – 13 December
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Bangladesh vs Nepal – 15 December
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Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – 17 December
