TORONTO, Feb 5: Led by Lahore-born lad Umar Bhatti, a 16-member Canadian cricket team is due to leave for Bangladesh on Friday to take part in the Youth World Cup beginning there on Feb 15.

Bhatti, who came to Canada from Pakistan in 1997 with his parents, said: "I feel honoured to lead the Under-19 team of my adopted country."

He described his team as a "bunch of highly talented young cricketers" and said it is expected to produce the best possible results in the coming 16-team tournament.

Canada are placed in Group 'A' where they will meet a strong challenge from Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe but Bhatti says he is not scared of any team. "We are capable to meet any challenge," he told Dawn. Bhatti, 18, who represented Canada in the 2002 World Cup in New Zealand two years ago, said his team members have worked very hard for the challenging task that lies ahead.

Bhatti, a left-arm pace bowler, who recently attended courses at a West Indian cricket academy, said he will be batting at No 6 during the World Cup matches. "If need arises, I might assume the role of an opener."

Meanwhile, the Canadian Cricket Association (CCA) held a reception in honour of its Dhaka-bound team here on Wednesday evening.

Speaking on the occasion, the newly-elected CCA President Ben Sennik said that all team members had put their "heart and soul" in the training process to achieve their target.

"All team members are fit - mentally and physically. And above all, they are determined to win laurels for their country," he said.

Sennik advised the team members to show sportsman spirit on and off the field to earn good name for Canada. "While in Bangladesh, you should remember that you are representing one of the great countries of the world."

The Canadian team will have practice matches on Feb 12, 13 and 14 before taking on Australia on Feb 16, Sri Lanka (Feb 17) and Zimbabwe (Feb 19).

Squad: Umar Bhatti (captain), Soham Anjaria (vice-captain), Durand Soraine, Trevin Bastiampillai, Mohammad Qazi, Ryan Lall, Gavin Bastiampillai, Kenneth Carto, Karun Jethi, Shaheed Keshvani, Aabid Keshvani, Kunal Patel, Adam Baksh and Simon Upton. Patrick Christian (manager) and Leroy Grey (assistant manager).