Bangladesh will face India in the Asian Cup qualifiers, with the match set to take place on March 25 in Shillong, India. Ahead of this crucial fixture, the Bangladesh Football Federation has announced a preliminary squad of 38 players.
One of the biggest highlights is the inclusion of Hamza Choudhury, who recently moved from English Premier League club Leicester City to Sheffield United. Another notable name is Fahamidul Islam, an Italy-based forward playing for Italian club Olbia Calcio FC.
Among the 38 players, Bashundhara Kings dominate with 14 footballers in the squad, despite not being in a favorable position on the league table. Meanwhile, Abahani, which relies solely on local players, has eight representatives.
Current national team captain Jamal Bhuiyan, who has not participated in domestic football recently, has still made it into the preliminary squad, showing the coach’s confidence in him.
Bangladesh Preliminary Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Shrabon, Anisur Rahman Zico, Sakib Al Hasan.
Defenders:
Hasan Murad, Shakil Ahad Tapu, Mehedi Hasan, Rahmat Mia, Mohammad Shakil Hossain, Isa Faisal, Taj Uddin, Tariq Kazi, Tapu Barman, Saad Uddin, Sushanto Tripura, Yasin Khan, Zahid Hossain Shanto.
Midfielders:
Mohammad Hridoy, Syed Shah Kazem, Papon Singh, Mohammad Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Chandan Roy, Mojibor Rahman Jony, Sheikh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuiyan, Hamza Choudhury.
Forwards:
Rakib Hossain, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Rabbi Hossain Rahul, Shahriar Imon, Rafiqul Islam, Mohammad Ibrahim, Arif Hossain, Al Amin, Piyas Ahmed Nova, Fahamidul Islam (Italy-based).
