Excitement is mounting within Bangladeshi football circles following the arrival of Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome, who touched down in Dhaka ahead of a potential debut for the national team. The 26-year-old, born to Sylheti parents, has been named in Bangladesh’s 26-man preliminary squad for the crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on 10 June.
Shome’s inclusion represents a significant step in the ongoing evolution of the Bangladesh midfield, and his arrival is being heralded as a fresh injection of talent capable of lifting the team’s attacking game. The move follows the impactful debut of Hamza Choudhury, another overseas-born addition who made headlines for his composed performance in the midfield during the 0–0 draw against India on 25 March.
Hamza, who partnered with Mohammad Ridoy at the base of midfield, impressed with his control, distribution, and defensive nous. The duo’s combination offered Bangladesh a newfound sense of balance and discipline in the centre of the pitch, areas that had long been seen as weaknesses in the team’s structure.
Despite this increased solidity, Bangladesh struggled to carve out meaningful chances against India’s resolute backline. The goalless draw underscored a familiar issue for the side — the lack of a creative presence capable of unlocking tight defences and offering a consistent goal threat from midfield.
Enter Shamit Shome. Known for his technical proficiency and attacking instincts, the Canadian-raised midfielder is expected to bring a different flavour to the side’s tactical options. With an eye for a pass and the ability to shoot from range, Shome could be the dynamic presence Bangladesh have been searching for to complement the deeper-lying roles of Hamza and Ridoy.
His anticipated debut is seen not only as a personal milestone but also as a pivotal moment in the team’s qualifying campaign. Supporters and coaching staff alike will be eager to see whether Shome’s offensive flair can be the missing link that helps transform Bangladesh’s midfield from industrious to incisive.
As the countdown begins for the 10 June showdown with Singapore, optimism is growing that the addition of Shome could finally help convert hard-fought draws into crucial wins — and potentially pave the way for a historic qualification push.