Hope Bangladesh become a force in T20 World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has voiced strong belief in Bangladesh's prospects at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, backing their increasingly potent pace attack to make a serious impact on the world stage.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Akhtar is currently experiencing his first stint in the T20 franchise ecosystem as a mentor with the Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League, a role he sees as an opportunity to guide and shape the country’s next generation of fast bowlers. Drawing on his own career, the former tearaway quick feels Bangladesh’s seam resources are moving in the right direction ahead of the World Cup to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

“I hope Bangladesh become a force in the coming World Cup,” Akhtar said.

"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.”