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.

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.

Advertisement

“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.”

Akhtar has been particularly encouraged by the emergence of Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, a department he believes has evolved significantly in recent years. Among them, Taskin Ahmed earned special praise, with Akhtar even expressing a wish to see the seamer eclipse his famous speed benchmark.

“I want Taskin to break my speed record,” Akhtar said.

“The pace battery that you’re talking about, I think it’s looking good. I really hope that they make it far in the World Cup.”

He also shared insights on the development of Nahid Rana, regarded as Bangladesh’s fastest bowler so far, underlining the importance of physical preparation and mental strength for sustaining high pace.

“Fast bowling is all about taking the stress on the body,” he explained.

“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.”

While keen to contribute his own expertise, Akhtar was quick to acknowledge the role of Bangladesh bowling coach Shaun Tait in nurturing raw pace.

“Shaun Tait is one of the best coaches you have when it comes to fast bowling,” he said.

“He is one of the fantastic guys, one of the most honest people that you can have,” he added.

Bangladesh head into the World Cup on the back of a 2-1 T20I series win over Ireland at home earlier this month. They have been placed in Group B alongside England, West Indies, Nepal and Italy, and will begin their campaign against the West Indies in Kolkata on February 7.