Khan, only 18, has reportedly earned his place in Bangladesh’s squad for the South Asian Championship after a strong scoring run in England’s lower leagues. The move is unusual: selectors will have limited opportunity to assess him before naming their final group.
Dooley has acknowledged the risk. “However, we have to announce the final 28-man squad before the camp begins, so we won't have the opportunity to assess him during training before making the decision,” the coach said.
That leaves Khan’s club form as the central argument for his inclusion. For a young forward playing outside the professional spotlight, an international call-up can arrive suddenly - and transform the next stage of his career.
The report quotes Dooley describing the decision as “almost like leaving it to chance”, but the former United States captain also believes Khan “might be able to do the job we need”.
That balance captures the selection perfectly. Bangladesh are not presenting Khan as a finished international player. They appear to be backing his momentum, physical potential and natural instinct in front of goal, while giving him an opportunity to prove that his club form can translate to a higher level.
The home tournament should add another layer to the experiment. Bangladesh are expected to host the competition in Dhaka, with India reportedly among the strongest teams in the field. Khan may not start, but exposure to that environment could be invaluable.
Khan’s first challenge will be adapting quickly to the pace, demands and scrutiny of international football. The camp should determine whether the gamble becomes a breakthrough or simply an ambitious look at a promising teenager.
For now, Bangladesh have chosen potential over certainty. The South Asian Championship will reveal whether Mahe Khan can turn a surprise call-up into a genuine international beginning.