9 months ago
Shoaib Akhtar backs Bangladesh for T20 World Cup
Shoaib Akhtar, a famous fast bowler from Pakistan, thinks Bangladesh can do really well in the T20 World Cup in 2026.
He is working as a mentor for a team in Bangladesh and likes how their fast bowlers are getting better.
He especially likes Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana.
He wants Taskin to break his speed record.
He also says that having a good attitude and training properly is very important for fast bowlers.
Bangladesh is in a group with teams like England and West Indies.
Their first match is in Kolkata on February 7, 2026.
Akhtar thinks Bangladesh can go far in the World Cup.
Shoaib Akhtar believes Bangladesh can become a strong team in the T20 World Cup 2026.
He is mentoring the Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League and is impressed by the country's pace attack.
Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana are notable Bangladeshi bowlers who have caught Akhtar's attention.
Akhtar hopes Taskin Ahmed will break his speed record and emphasizes the importance of proper training and attitude for fast bowlers.
Bangladesh is placed in Group B with England, West Indies, Nepal, and Italy, starting their campaign against the West Indies in Kolkata on February 7, 2026.
- Who
- Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan speedster and current mentor with Dhaka Capitals; Bangladesh cricket team
- What
- Shoaib Akhtar's belief in Bangladesh's potential in the T20 World Cup 2026 and his mentorship role
- Where
- The T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka; Bangladesh's first match is in Kolkata
- When
- The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled for the future, with Bangladesh's first match on February 7, 2026
- Why
- Shoaib Akhtar believes in Bangladesh's improving pace attack and their potential to become a force in the T20 World Cup
Key facts
- Event
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Host Countries
- India and Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh's Group
- Group B
- Group Opponents
- England, West Indies, Nepal, Italy
- First Match
- February 7, 2026 against West Indies in Kolkata
- Shoaib Akhtar's Role
- Mentor with Dhaka Capitals in Bangladesh Premier League
- Notable Bangladeshi Bowlers
- Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana
- Bangladesh Bowling Coach
- Shaun Tait
Quotes
Shoaib Akhtar
Former Pakistan cricketer and current mentor for the Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League
“I think if he (Rana) keeps on going along with a great training session and when it comes to training properly… I’ll give him an advice at the same time, if I ever see him. I’ll tell him the trades and secrets of training. If he gets that, I think he will go far. But the most important is the attitude that you have towards life, and that reflects on the field.”
thestatesman.com
“I want them to be one of the greatest forces to reckon with. This is one of the most exciting national teams, and I really hope they go far or somehow manage to climb up the ladder and win the World Cup.”
thestatesman.com





