DHAKA – As the Bangladesh national football team prepares for their crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against India on March 25, the inclusion of midfielder Hamza Choudhury has sparked a wave of optimism and enthusiasm among players and fans alike. Choudhury, a 27-year-old currently on loan from Leicester City to Sheffield United, made headlines after he opted to represent Bangladesh, the country of his mother’s heritage, over England in December 2024.
Upon arriving in Bangladesh on March 19, 2025, Choudhury received a hero's welcome, greeted by fans who celebrated his first senior international call-up. The excitement surrounding his presence was palpable, as his vehicle was mobbed by supporters who showed their appreciation in overwhelming fashion. "It’s something I’ve definitely always had in the back of my mind, that I’d like to represent Bangladesh — and the people of Bangladesh more importantly," Choudhury expressed, emphasizing his connection with the fans and his desire to enhance Bangladesh's visibility on the football stage.
Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera expressed confidence in Choudhury’s potential impact on the team. Speaking to reporters at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Cabrera stated, "Of course, it is a great strength to have Hamza, a player from the English Premier League, coming here to represent Bangladesh. He will make the difference against India." The coach anticipates that Choudhury’s leadership and professionalism will significantly influence the squad during their upcoming match.
Cabrera's sentiments were echoed by team captain Jamal Bhuiyan, who remarked that Choudhury would likely experience an emotional moment when he hears the national anthem on game day. "I think, on March 25, when he listens to the national anthem, Hamza is going to get goosebumps," said Jamal, reflecting on his own experience as the first Bangladeshi-origin player from abroad to represent the national team.
The anticipation surrounding the match has only heightened with the announcement that India's legendary striker, Sunil Chhetri, is coming out of retirement to participate. Choudhury's inclusion has boosted Bangladesh's hopes for a competitive game, with Cabrera describing it as a 50-50 match, despite acknowledging the formidable strength of their rivals. "India are a very strong team, but we are getting better and better," he affirmed, projecting a sense of preparedness and eagerness as the match approaches.
Hamza's transition from playing for England's youth teams to representing Bangladesh is a significant milestone not only for him but for the entire nation. He is the only player based overseas in the squad, providing a unique advantage as Bangladesh enters the match as the lowest-ranked team in their qualifying group, currently positioned at 185th in the world.
During a press conference, Hamza promised to strengthen the national team over the years, expressing his commitment to contributing to its progress. "We can achieve whatever we’d like; we’ll just have to put in the hard work, and we need to respect the process of going to that level," he stated, standing alongside his coach and captain. Choudhury's arrival is seen as a beacon of hope for football enthusiasts eager for success on the international stage.
As Bangladesh prepares to face India in Shillong, there has been some setback regarding player selection. Young winger Fahamedul Islam, who played well during their training camp in Saudi Arabia, will not be part of the squad for the upcoming match. Cabrera explained that while Fahamedul is a talented player, he requires more time to adapt fully to the national team setup.
However, with Choudhury's experience from the English Premier League and admiration from the local community, the Bangladesh team feels a renewed sense of purpose. "The mentality is to give our best to win. With Hamza, having a lot of experience from the highest level of competition, we are much stronger right now," Cabrera concluded.
As the team departs for India on March 20, anticipation is mounting for what promises to be a fiercely contested clash. For Hamza Choudhury, this match is more than just a game; it is an opportunity to represent his roots and inspire a new generation of footballers in Bangladesh. The national team's journey towards respectability in international football may very well begin with Choudhury wearing the red and green of Bangladesh this March.
