Celebrations were in full swing as the Bangladesh under-19 cricket team made a triumphant return home after securing their historic win at the ACC U-19 Asia Cup. The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, aglow with lights in anticipation of Independence Day celebrations, warmly embraced the young Tigers as they basked in the glory of their well-deserved reception.

Ebadot Hossain, a pace sensation from Bangladesh, was spotted atop the Academy Ground rooftop, eagerly capturing videos of the players’ arrival and adding an extra layer of enthusiasm to the joyous occasion.

Before the players even set foot on home soil, young fans, eagerly awaiting their return, expressed their aspirations. One spirited child, upon meeting Ashiqur Rahman Shibli, the centurion of the final, voiced their ambitions, declaring, “We need the World Cup, bhaiya,” emphasizing that the Asia Cup triumph was just the beginning.

Captain Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, accompanied by BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, shared his feelings at the press conference. Rabby acknowledged the heightened sense of responsibility that accompanied their historic win, stating,

“We became Asia Cup champions for the first time, so it’s a big achievement for us.”

Rabby praised the coaching team, mentioning in particular head coach Stuart Law and batting coach Wasim Jaffar for the insightful advice they got, particularly in overcoming difficult circumstances and retaining mental toughness.

When asked about their method, Rabby disclosed that they didn’t focus on the end result and instead took things match by match. Team spirit was the key to their victory, according to Shibli, who was instrumental in helping them secure a high score in the final. He emphasized that bonding was the secret to their win.

Despite a less-than-ideal performance leading up to the Asia Cup, the team’s preparation was boosted by a competitive quadrangular series in India in November. Rabby credited their improvement to the tough competition, paving the way for their success in the Asia Cup.

With the U-19 World Cup on the horizon in January, Rabby acknowledged the increased responsibility stemming from their recent triumph. The team’s confidence has been bolstered, and they are geared up for the World Cup, aiming for consistent performances.

Highlighting the team’s caliber and mental strength, Rabby expressed optimism about their ability to navigate pressure situations. The upcoming World Cup training camp in Dhaka, followed by their departure for South Africa on January 1, will provide the necessary groundwork for those facing the challenges ahead.

As they anticipate the World Cup, the team, having secured their first Asia Cup with remarkable team bonding, stands on the brink of a new adventure, ready to showcase their abilities in the challenging conditions of Africa.