Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera has named a provisional 28-man squad for next month’s Asian Cup qualifying double-header against Hong Kong. The training camp is set to begin on 29 September, with letters already sent to clubs requesting the release of their players, although an official announcement from the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is yet to be made.
The squad features a single new inclusion in 22-year-old Zayan Ahmed, the US-born midfielder who impressed for Bangladesh during the AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers in Vietnam. His performances caught Cabrera’s attention, earning him a maiden call-up to the senior team.
Hamza Choudhury and Samit Som, both absent during the September window, are expected to join this time. Italian-born Fahmidul Islam has also been included.
Bashundhara Kings once again provide the largest contingent, contributing 11 players. Abahani and Mohammedan follow with five each, while Brothers Union, Fortis and PWD supply one player each. Four foreign-based players – Hamza, Shamit, Fahmidul and Zayan – complete the line-up.
Notably missing is England-born Cuba Mitchell. His potential involvement was widely discussed in the June window, and he has since joined Bashundhara Kings while also featuring in Vietnam for the U-23 side. His absence from Cabrera’s list has already raised questions, particularly as he was not even named in the Kings’ squad for their Federation Cup opener.
The BFF has instructed players to report to team manager Amer Khan at Hotel Intercontinental on 29 September with their training gear. Cabrera, who recently returned from holiday in Spain, has already submitted his provisional list to the federation.
Bangladesh face Hong Kong away on 14 October. To ensure flexibility, the BFF plans to arrange visas for more than the 28 named players, with a few extras also asked to submit passports. Hamza and Samit will arrive on 6–7 October, but as holders of English and Canadian passports, they will not require separate Hong Kong visas.
Squad list based on club release letters
Abahani: Mitul Marma, Ibrahim, Al Amin, Kazem Shah, Morsalin
Mohammedan: Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Rahmat Mia, Shakil Ahad Topu, Sumon Reza
Brothers Union: Jamal Bhuiyan
Fortis: Abdullah Omar Sajib
PWD: Arman Faisal Akash
Bashundhara Kings: Mehedi Hasan Srabon, Topu Barman, Sad Uddin, Tariq Kazi, Taj Uddin, Hridoy, Sohel Rana, Md Sohel Rana, Shahriar Emon, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain
Leicester City: Hamza Choudhury
Cavalry FC: Shamit Shome
Olvia Calcio: Fahmidul Islam
George Mason University: Zayan Ahmed
