New-look Bangladesh Women's Football Team announced for UAE tour without a captain

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has announced a 23-member squad for the upcoming friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for 26 February and 2 March.

Notably, no captain has been named for the tour.

The squad reflects the ongoing turbulence within the team, as none of the 18 players, including Sabina Khatun, who previously refused to play under coach Peter Butler, were selected.

Although Sabina and her teammates had agreed to return to training after several rounds of discussions, Butler opted for a largely revamped squad.

The new team features several fresh faces alongside eight players from the last SAFF Championship: Yarzan Begum, Mili Akter, Kohati Kisku, Afeida Khandakar, Swapna Rani, Irene Khatun, Shaheda Akter, and Munki Akter. Reports suggest that Afeida Khandakar is likely to wear the captain's armband, though the BFF has provided no official explanation for the absence of a named captain.

Among the notable inclusions is 17-year-old goalkeeper Yarzan Begum, who rose to prominence in 2024 after saving three penalties against India in the SAFF under-16 final in Nepal.

Speaking about the squad, coach Peter Butler said, "This is a youthful side, and we're heading to the UAE with hopes of a positive outcome."

The team will depart for Dubai on 24 february.

Bangladesh squad

Goalkeepers: Yarzan Begum, Mili Akter, Meghla Rani Roy.
Defenders: Kohati Kisku, Zaynab Bibi Rita, Afeida Khandakar, Surma Jannat, Mosammat Sultana, Kanom Akter, Arpita Biswas, Mariam Binte Hanna.
Midfielders: Halima Akter, Swapna Rani, Munki Akter, Bannya Khatun.
Forwards: Nabiran Khatun, Suravi Akand Preeti, Tanima Biswas, Oishi Khatun, Oyontho Bala, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Aklima Khatun, Irene Khatun.