Pakistan's legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes Bangladesh have the potential to go deep in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7, citing the steady improvement of their pace unit in recent years.

"The pace battery that you're talking about, I think it's looking good. And I really hope that they make it far in the World Cup," Shoaib told reporters at a press conference at a city hotel on Monday shortly after being officially introduced as the mentor of Dhaka Capitals for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which begins on December 26 in Sylhet.

"I hope Bangladesh become a force in the coming World Cup. I want them to be one of the greatest forces to reckon with. This is one of the most exciting national teams, and I really hope they go far or somehow manage to climb up the ladder and win the World Cup," he added.

Bangladesh have been drawn in a challenging Group C, where they will face two-time champions England and West Indies, alongside Italy and Nepal.

The trip marks Shoaib's first visit to Bangladesh in a role other than as a player since his international retirement following the 2011 ICC World Cup. Despite a playing career that spanned nearly two decades, the former speedster played only two Tests and three ODIs on Bangladeshi soil. During his three-day stay, he is participating in several promotional activities for Dhaka Capitals and is also expected to attend an interaction session with the players and coaching staff.

"I always loved this country and wanted to visit for a long time but couldn't. My immense love for the Bangladeshis is well known, and the kind of love I've received from you all throughout my life means a lot. Thank you. I'm really happy to be here," said the Rawalpindi Express, who still holds the record for the fastest delivery in international cricket at 161.3 km/h, bowled against England during the 2003 World Cup.

Shoaib also revealed his personal ambition for Dhaka Capitals' pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed, saying he hopes the Bangladesh quick can surpass his famous speed record during the upcoming BPL.

"I want Taskin to break my speed record," Shoaib said when asked about his expectations from the players this season.

Explaining his decision to join the franchise, Shoaib said he had followed the BPL over the years and felt the time was right to get involved.

"I've never been part of the BPL before, but I've heard that it's doing great. Finally, I had the opportunity to come here and be a part of it. I want to pass on whatever I've learned, especially about fast bowling, motivate the players, give them a few tricks to win matches and elevate their mindset," he said.

"My job will be to give confidence, teach how to win matches and, through Dhaka Capitals, reconnect with the Bangladeshis, one of the most beautiful nations in the world," he added.

Although Dhaka Capitals have officially appointed Shoaib as mentor, he will be physically present only during the Dhaka phase -- the final leg of the 12th edition of the BPL. According to team officials, he will remain in virtual contact with the squad during the Sylhet and Chattogram phases.

Meanwhile, the press conference, scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm on Monday, started more than an hour late as Shoaib arrived nearly 75 minutes behind schedule due to prior commitments with sponsor advertisement shoots.