Nahida Akter to Lead Bangladesh at ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026

Ajman, UAE will host Bangladesh’s first assignment at the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, with selectors confirming a 15-member squad for the trip. Pacer Marufa Akter will not travel, having been ruled out with a bone-related problem in her right foot suffered during the Australia tour, where she missed the third ODI.

Nahida Akter takes charge as captain, with Sobhana Mostary named her deputy. The travelling party departs for the UAE on November 10.

Pacer Disha Biswas earns a recall after her absence since the Asian Games, stepping in for the injured Marufa. Opener Sathi Rani and all-rounder Jannatul Ferdus Sumona receive fresh call-ups. Batter Sharmin Sultana has been dropped, while off-spinner Sultana Khatun has been rested for the tournament.

Group Placement and Fixture Schedule

Bangladesh are placed in Group B alongside Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Netherlands, and Thailand. Group A brings together hosts UAE, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, and Papua New Guinea. Ten nations compete in total, twice the number featured in the previous edition.

Fixtures will be staged at two grounds in Ajman: Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground and Seven Districts Sports Club. Bangladesh open against Pakistan on November 12 at Karwan Sports Club Cricket Ground, then meet Zimbabwe on November 13 at Seven Districts Sports Club. Their remaining group matches are against Netherlands on November 16 and Thailand on November 18.

Full Members and Associate Nations

The ten-team field is split evenly between ICC full members and associate nations. Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe hold full-member status, while the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates participate as associates.

Host nation UAE anchors Group A. The expanded participation highlights the growing reach of the ICC’s women’s emerging nations pathway.

Bangladesh Full Squad

Nahida Akter (Captain), Sobhana Mostary (Vice-captain), Nigar Sultana Joty, Sharmin Akter Supta, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Dilara Akter, Rabeya Khan, Disha Biswas, Fariha Islam Trisna, Fahima Khatun, Juairiya Ferdous, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sathi Rani.

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