Six expatriate footballers have been included in the preliminary squad

Bangladesh has announced its preliminary squad for the upcoming SAFF Under-20 Championship, which is set to kick off on 25 March in the Maldivian capital, Malé, with the final scheduled for 3 April. The regional tournament will feature seven teams from South Asia competing for the coveted title.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed that six overseas-based players have been included in the national team camp. This move highlights the federation’s intent to strengthen the squad by blending domestic talents with players gaining experience abroad. The overseas recruits are:

Abdul Qadir (Italy)

Bitashok Chakma (USA)

Ibrahim Nawaz (UK)

Amir Sami (USA)

Sushrata Mondal (Canada)

Farzad Syed Aftab (USA)

The tournament structure divides the teams into two groups. Group A comprises the hosts Maldives, along with Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, while Group B sees Bangladesh drawn alongside India and Pakistan. Following the group stage, the champions and runners-up from each group will advance to the semifinals.

This edition marks the first time the Maldives has hosted the U-20 championship, adding a new dimension to the competition. For Bangladesh, this tournament represents a chance to defend their title, having won the previous edition in 2024 after a remarkable campaign. India had claimed the inaugural championship in 2022.

The inclusion of overseas players is seen as a strategic effort to enhance the team’s competitive edge. According to coaches, the players bring valuable international experience and tactical awareness, which could be decisive against strong opponents like India and Pakistan.

Bangladesh U-20 Preliminary Squad (2026):

The squad reflects a blend of domestic and international talent, aimed at consolidating Bangladesh’s reputation as a rising force in South Asian youth football. With key matches against India and Pakistan in the group stage, expectations are high for a strong performance.