Bangladesh depart for India with 24-man squad as Sohel and Topu praise Hamza's quick integration

Bangladesh have departed for India to play their AFC Asian Cup qualifier, with the squad announcement and the inclusion of Hamza Choudhury generating significant interest.

The team left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:00 am on 20 March, heading first to Kolkata before taking a connecting flight to Shillong, where they are expected to reach their hotel by the evening. Training will commence the following day.

Interest in the squad announcement was higher than usual, particularly surrounding the inclusion of England-born midfielder Hamza Choudhury and the omission of Italian-born Fahmidul Islam. As expected, Hamza has made the final 24-man squad, while Fahmidul, despite earlier speculation, was left out.

Coach Javier Cabrera initially named a 30-man preliminary squad for the fixture against India. After training with 27 players at Bashundhara Kings Arena, the squad was trimmed to 24 before departure. Arif Hossain, Piyas Ahmed Nova, and Taj Uddin were informed late at night that they had been left out, while another player will be dropped before the final squad registration on 25 March.

Hamza has been the centre of attention in recent days, and that continued at the airport, where teammates were asked about him. Midfielder Sohel Rana was full of praise, saying, "Hamza has adapted very quickly to the squad. It feels like he has been playing with us for a long time."

Defender Topu Barman shared a similar sentiment, adding, "He officially trained with us yesterday, and it's a great thing for the team. He is fit, and so are we. I think this is a positive development." Topu also highlighted the squad's improved mentality, saying, "Our preparation, mental strength, and approach are completely different this time. We are travelling with a winning mentality."

The final squad consists of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, nine midfielders, and five forwards. The midfield has the most depth, with captain Jamal Bhuiyan, emerging talent Sheikh Morsalin, and Canada-raised Syed Shah Kazem Kirmani—son of former Bangladesh cricketer Halim Shah—joining Hamza in the squad.

Bangladesh squad for India match

Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujan Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Shraban.

Defenders: Shakil Ahad, Rahmat Mia, Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Sadiq Saim, Esha Faisal, Shakil Hossain.

Midfielders: Chandan Roy, Sohel Rana, Mohammad Sohel Rana, Mohammad Hridoy, Mojibur Rahman Jony, Syed Shah Kazem Kirmani, Sheikh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuiyan, Hamza Choudhury.

Forwards: Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Mohammad Ibrahim, Shahriar Emon, Al Amin, Rakib Hossain.

Bangladesh will face India on 25 March at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, known locally as Polo Ground.