![Bangladesh Squad For Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 Announced [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794729521698_Bangladeshcricketteam.jpg?type=hq)
Bangladesh Squad For Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 Announced [Source: AFP]
Bangladesh have made a late adjustment to their squad ahead of the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 in Qatar. With one of their selected players currently occupied with national team duties, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has brought in another experienced campaigner, Saif Hassan, to fill the vacancy.
The change brings a leadership announcement, as the team prepares to begin its campaign against Hong Kong, China, later this month.
Saif Hassan replaces Mohammad Naim, named Bangladesh captain for Rising Stars
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has included Saif Hassan in its final squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, replacing Mohammad Naim, who is currently with the senior national team in South Africa for the Test series.
Saif will also lead Bangladesh in the tournament, which gets underway in Qatar on November 19. The BCB announced the final 16-member squad on Sunday, November 15, with Saif being the only fresh addition to the preliminary list.
Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali and Sabbir Rahman have all retained their places. Meanwhile, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who is recovering from an injury, Zakir Hasan, S M Meherob Hasan and Aminul Islam Biplob have missed out on selection.
Bangladesh A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026: Saif Hassan (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Iftakhar Hossain Ifti, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Sabbir Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Irfan Shukkur, Samiun Basir Ratul, Rakibul Hasan, Md Rubel, Ripon Mandol, Iqbal Hossain Emon, Chowdhury MD Rizwan, Mohammad Saifuddin and Afif Hossain Dhrubo
Earlier, BCB chief selector Habibul Bashar explained that the squad was assembled from the country's next-best pool of players rather than being restricted by age.
“All the other teams are sending their 'A' squads. So we are sending the next-best batch of players. Rather than age, we formed the side with players who may play or whom we can prepare for the future,” Bashar had said in Sylhet.
Bangladesh A to amp up prep after previous heartbreak
Bangladesh A will begin their group-stage campaign against Hong Kong, China, on November 19. They will then face Afghanistan A on November 21 before taking on Sri Lanka A in their final group fixture on November 23.
The tournament's knockout stage will begin with the semifinals on November 26 and 27, with the final scheduled for November 29. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals.
Bangladesh A will also be looking to go one step further this time after falling narrowly short of the title in the previous edition. They finished as runners-up in the inaugural tournament last year, losing to Pakistan A in a Super Over after a closely fought final.
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