U-19 Women's National Team
Bhutan Gears Up for ICC U19 Women’s Asia Qualifiers with Selection Camp
Bhutan Cricket is conducting the U19 Women’s National Team selection camp from 7th to 9th February 2026 as part of its preparations for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup Asia Qualifiers, scheduled to take place towards the end of April in Hong Kong, China. The camp marks a crucial phase in identifying Bhutan’s next generation of women cricketers as the nation continues to strengthen its pathway structure for young talent.
A total of 31 U19 players from five districts Sarpang, Samtse, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue are competing for a place in the final 14 player national squad. The selection process is being conducted by four panels including the CEO to ensure a comprehensive, transparent, and merit based evaluation of players across technical, tactical, and mental performance areas.
The selection camp began at the Thimphu Indoor Cricket Academy, where players underwent detailed assessments in batting, bowling, and wicket keeping. Head Coach Kencho Norbu led today’s technical session, focusing on execution, game awareness, and situational drills designed to simulate match conditions. Players were tested on their ability to adapt to different scenarios, handle pressure, and make decisions under competitive environments.
Speaking on the selection criteria, Coach Kencho Norbu said that beyond basic performance, the focus is on overall match impact and temperament. He highlighted that game awareness, adaptability under pressure, and the ability to contribute in different situations are key qualities being assessed. Discipline, response to challenges, and team balance are also major considerations, as the coaching staff aims to build a well rounded squad capable of performing collectively in high intensity tournament conditions. He emphasized that the final squad will consist of players who not only possess technical skills but also the mindset and character to represent the country at this level.
Ast. Coach Yeshey Choden also guided the players through skill based drills, emphasizing technical refinement, movement patterns, and game based scenarios to evaluate readiness for international competition. The drills were designed to test players’ fundamentals as well as their ability to apply skills in realistic match situations.
Strength and Conditioning Coach Manasi highlighted that physical conditioning plays a decisive role in modern cricket selection. She stated that player fitness is considered the backbone of consistency, injury prevention, and success, and that at this level players must be able to sustain performance, recover quickly, and meet the physical demands of international cricket. Fitness monitoring and conditioning components have been integrated into the selection process to ensure players meet the required standards.
The final day of the selection camp will be held at the RMD Center, with a strong focus on fielding assessments and match specific scenarios. This will complete the evaluation process before the final squad is announced and enters the national training camp phase.
The U19 Women’s selection camp represents an important step in Bhutan Cricket’s development pathway for women’s cricket, as the nation prepares to compete on the regional stage and continue building a strong foundation for future national teams.
