BHUTAN TO COMPETE IN ACC MEN’S U16 EAST ZONE CUP 2025 IN MALAYSIA

BHUTAN TO COMPETE IN ACC MEN’S U16 EAST ZONE CUP 2025
IN MALAYSIA

Bhutan’s U16 national cricket team is all set to represent the country in the upcoming ACC Men’s U16 East Zone Cup 2025, to be held in Malaysia from June 20 to July 6. The regional 50-over tournament, organised by the Asian Cricket Council, will bring together ten promising youth teams from across East and Southeast Asia.

The Bhutanese team, led by Head Coach Ugyen Dorji, Asst. Coach Ramesh Limbu and Team Manager Diwash Sundas, will depart the country on Saturday, June 20. The young cricketers have been undergoing weeks of rigorous training and preparation in Thimphu and are looking forward to testing their skills on an international stage.

This year’s tournament features ten teams: Bhutan, Malaysia (hosts), Nepal (defending champions), Singapore, Hong Kong-China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, and Myanmar. Matches will be played across three major venues in Malaysia—Selangor Turf Club, KTJ Oval, and YSD-UKM Oval.

Speaking to the Head Coach Ugyen Dorji offered an inspiring message that reflects the spirit of this youthful side.

“This group of boys has shown immense growth, not just as athletes but as teammates. They’ve been disciplined, determined, and eager to learn every single day,” he said. “Our training sessions have been intense, focused not only on skills but also on building mental toughness and unity. We’re going to Malaysia with a clear goal—to play bold, fearless cricket and to show that Bhutan can stand tall on the international stage. Win or lose, we will leave a mark.”

He also emphasized the significance of the platform as this tournament is a gateway for our boys to dream bigger. It’s about competing, learning, and walking onto that field with pride in their hearts and Bhutan in their souls.

Team Manager Diwash Sundas, who has worked closely with the players both on and off the field, spoke with calm resolve and deep faith in the team’s spirit.

“It’s been truly humbling to watch these young boys transform into a team. They’ve faced setbacks, pushed through tough training, and supported each other every step of the way,” he said.

We are not going out there claiming to be the strongest, but we are going with one of the most united hearts. Every player understands what it means to represent Bhutan—to carry not just a flag, but the dreams of many young cricketers who look up to them.

Our goal is simple: to give everything we have, to learn from every match, and to make Bhutan proud with how we carry ourselves—on and off the field. Winning will be sweet, but playing with integrity and leaving the ground with our heads held high will matter even more.

The ACC Men’s U16 East Zone Cup plays a vital role in the development of youth cricket across the region. For Bhutan, this tournament is part of a larger movement—one that seeks to develop grassroots cricket and give opportunities to young athletes from every corner of the country.

This is not the first time Bhutan is sending a team to an ACC tournament, but the focus on nurturing the next generation has never been stronger. The support of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, Bhutan Cricket, and the broader sporting community continues to drive progress in youth sports development.

Fans are encouraged to follow Bhutan Cricket and the Bhutan Olympic Committee for match updates, team news, and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from Malaysia.