Dhaka:The Robi Bowler Hunt 2026 initiative has revitalized Bangladesh's quest to discover new cricket talent, revealing raw potential and inspiring stories of determination nationwide.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative, a collaboration between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Robi Axiata PLC, was launched at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on September 15. The program has identified 143 promising bowling talents, including 56 pace bowlers who will advance to a specialized camp for further selection. This group comprises 51 male bowlers, three female bowlers, and two physically challenged participants.
The Robi Bowler Hunt 2026 aims to uncover promising bowlers, particularly in regions with limited access to specialized coaching and training facilities. The program attracted over 25,000 registrations, underscoring the immense enthusiasm among Bangladesh's youth for professional cricket. Previous editions of the initiative have successfully identified bowlers like Rubel Hossain, Ebadot Hossain, and Rishad Hossain, who have represented Bangladesh internationally.
Preliminary trials were held at nine venues across eight divisions, drawing aspiring bowlers with varying levels of experience. BCB HP assistant general manager Rabeed Imam noted the challenge of selecting bowlers with exceptional qualities from a large pool of talent. The coaching panel, including BCB HP head coach Mohammad Salahuddin and former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, assessed participants' technical, tactical, and physical attributes.
The trials also highlighted inspiring stories, such as Sazidul, who returned to Bangladesh to pursue cricket, and a young girl who attended trials with a broken hand. Among the pace prospects, Abir and Zubayer stood out for their impressive bowling speeds. However, Salahuddin emphasized that speed must be complemented by accuracy and tactical awareness for higher-level success.
The program's next phase will see the selection of 12 bowlers for the BCB's high-performance program, offering specialized coaching and development opportunities.