Bowler hunt turns grassroots dreams into opportunities

The Robi Bowler Hunt 2026 has given fresh impetus to Bangladesh's search for its next generation of bowlers, uncovering raw talent and inspiring stories of determination from across the country.

The emotional attachment to cricket was evident throughout the nationwide initiative, jointly organised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Robi Axiata PLC, as aspiring bowlers seized the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

The programme has identified 143 promising bowling talents, with 56 pace bowlers advancing to a specialised camp and the next stage of selection, BCB officials said.

The group comprises 51 male bowlers, three female bowlers and two physically challenged participants. The final selection process is expected to pick 12 bowlers for further training and development under the BCB's high-performance (HP) programme.

Launched at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on September 15, the initiative aims to discover promising bowlers at the grassroots level, particularly in areas where access to specialised coaching and modern training facilities remains limited. It carries the slogan "Parbe Tumio" (You Can Too).

The programme attracted more than 25,000 registrations from across the country, reflecting the enthusiasm among young people seeking to pursue cricket professionally.

"What impressed us most was the combination of exceptional raw talent and unwavering determination. The enthusiasm surrounding this opportunity reaffirmed the importance of initiatives like Robi Bowler Hunt. We received registrations from more than 25,000 participants across the country, demonstrating the immense passion for cricket among Bangladesh's youth," Robi said in a statement in response to a query from BSS.

Earlier editions of the initiative helped identify bowlers such as Rubel Hossain, Ebadot Hossain and Rishad Hossain, who went on to represent Bangladesh internationally. Their success has reinforced the importance of grassroots talent identification in strengthening the country's bowling resources.

The preliminary trials were held at nine venues across the country's eight divisions, bringing together aspiring bowlers with varying levels of experience and exposure to formal coaching. BCB HP assistant general manager Rabeed Imam said the selectors had to identify those with exceptional qualities from a large pool of talented participants.

"Most of the pacers showed their talent and proved that they are really gifted. But we can't select all bowlers. So we selected those who had some extraordinary qualities in them," he said.

The coaching panel includes BCB HP head coach Mohammad Salahuddin, former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, pace-bowling coach Corey Collymore and coach Sohel Islam. They assessed the participants' technical, tactical and physical attributes, as well as their potential for further development.

Salahuddin was impressed by the natural ability displayed by bowlers who had yet to receive systematic technical guidance. He believes that appropriate coaching could help them become more complete performers.

The trials also uncovered inspiring stories of perseverance. Sazidul, a pace bowler who had travelled abroad in search of a livelihood, returned to Bangladesh to pursue his cricketing dream and qualified for the final stage.

A young girl attended the Rajshahi trials with a broken hand but secured a place in the finals through sheer determination. In Chattogram, selectors discovered Saif, a promising nine-year- old bowler.

Among the pace prospects, Abir attracted attention after reportedly clocking 138 kilometres per hour during the preliminary trials. Zubayer, who reached a reported speed of 132 kilometres per hour at the Sylhet trials, also impressed the selectors.

His pace and approach earned him the nickname "Rabada", after South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.

However, Salahuddin stressed that speed alone would not determine their prospects at higher levels. Accuracy, movement and tactical awareness would be equally important in developing them into effective bowlers.

The spin department has also produced promising candidates, with Ratul and Shoaib featuring in selection discussions. Young left-arm wrist-spinner Mohammad Saif has drawn attention for his ambition to develop a wider range of variations.

Saif said the success of Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain had inspired him, highlighting the influence established players can have on the aspirations of the next generation.

The selection of 12 bowlers for the HP programme will mark the next phase of the initiative, providing the chosen prospects with specialised coaching and further development opportunities within the BCB's high-performance structure.�"BSS