Dhaka, Bangladesh — Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has strongly backed Bangladesh to become a force in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while taking on his first-ever mentoring role in franchise cricket with Dhaka Capitals ahead of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.
Arriving in Dhaka earlier this week, Akhtar, often called the Rawalpindi Express, was welcomed warmly by fans and officials as he began work preparing Capitals’ squad for the December 26 start of the BPL season. He emphasized building a winning mindset in the camp, stressing not only technical skills but how to win matches consistently, a theme he repeated in his first press interactions.
Akhtar’s vision isn’t limited to franchise success. Speaking to the press, he made it clear that his long-term goal is to help Bangladesh cricket compete on the global stage at the T20 World Cup, pointing to the team’s rising pace battery as a major strength. “I hope Bangladesh become a force in the coming World Cup,” he said, underlining optimism for the team’s 2026 campaign in India and Sri Lanka.
A central focus for Akhtar will be working with young fast bowlers like Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana, helping strengthen their pace, fitness, and competitive temperament. In a striking comment, he expressed hope that Taskin might one day break his longstanding fastest ball in international cricket record of 161.3 km/h. Akhtar also lauded the work of Bangladesh’s current bowling coach Shaun Tait, calling him one of the best mentors for emerging pacers and urging continuity in that partnership.
Off the pitch, the BPL’s growing international presence has drawn attention from around the cricketing world, including Pakistani stars participating this season. For a deeper look you can check how Pakistani players are shaping this BPL.
With Akhtar’s guidance, Dhaka Capitals aim not only for BPL success but also to help Bangladesh’s pace attack make a meaningful impact on the T20 World Cup stage, reaffirming confidence that this team can climb the rankings and challenge the best.
