Dhaka, Dec. 16 -- Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has thrown his weight behind Bangladesh's chances at the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, hoping that the team's growing pace attack can help them emerge as a genuine threat on the global stage and "become a force".

Marking his first role in the T20 franchise circuit, Akhtar has joined Dhaka Capitals as a mentor in the Bangladesh Premier League, with an eye on nurturing the country's next generation of fast bowlers, as per ICC.

The former pacer believes his experience can help elevate Bangladesh's pace unit as they prepare for the upcoming event in India and Sri Lanka.

"I hope Bangladesh become a force in the coming World Cup," Akhtar said as quoted by ICC.

"I want them to be...