Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with a few notable exclusions. The team, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will kick off their campaign against India on February 20, 2025, in Dubai. However, the squad is missing two major players: Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das.
Shakib Al Hasan Left Out of Champions Trophy 2025
One of the biggest surprises in the squad announcement was the exclusion of Shakib Al Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s most experienced and successful players. The star all-rounder has been a regular feature in Bangladesh’s line-up for years. Despite his past contributions, Shakib was not included in the squad, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board choosing to go in a different direction.
Shakib’s absence has raised questions regarding his fitness and future in international cricket. He last played an ODI in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where he delivered a solid performance against Sri Lanka, picking up two wickets and scoring 82 runs. Despite his form, it seems the selectors are concerned about his bowling action, as he was undergoing tests ahead of the tournament.
The exclusion of Shakib marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s cricketing landscape. His experience and leadership have been pivotal for the team, but the selectors seem to have opted for younger, fitter players this time around.
Litton Das Dropped from Champions Trophy Squad
Another significant omission is Litton Das, the wicketkeeper-batter. Litton was a key player for Bangladesh in previous tournaments but has struggled with consistency recently. His last ODI appearance was against the West Indies in December 2024, where he failed to score any runs. This poor form might have contributed to his exclusion from the squad.
While Litton has been a regular feature in the Bangladesh team, the selectors have opted to include other young talents for this edition of the Champions Trophy. This decision might indicate a desire for a fresh approach, with a focus on players who can bring in better form and energy.
His absence, along with Shakib’s, has led to speculation about the future of these seasoned players in international cricket. As Bangladesh builds for the future, it seems that the team management is prioritizing youth and dynamic players.
Najmul Hossain Shanto to Lead Bangladesh
In a move that brings fresh leadership to the team, Najmul Hossain Shanto will captain Bangladesh for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Shanto, a young and talented batsman, has earned the responsibility to lead the team at the prestigious tournament. His calm demeanor and consistent performances in international cricket have made him a promising choice for the captaincy.
Shanto’s leadership will be tested against top-tier teams like India, New Zealand, and Pakistan in the group stages. Bangladesh’s journey will begin with the high-profile match against India on February 20, followed by matches against New Zealand and Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
This is a significant step in Shanto’s career as he takes the reins from previous captains. His leadership could play a crucial role in how Bangladesh performs in the tournament.
Key Players in the Squad: Who to Watch
While Shakib and Litton are absent, Bangladesh’s squad still has several players who are capable of making an impact in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Mushfiqur Rahim, a veteran wicketkeeper-batsman, will bring much-needed experience to the squad. Mahmudullah, another senior player, has been crucial in middle-order stability for Bangladesh over the years.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman are key bowlers for Bangladesh, and their performances will be vital if the team is to challenge the top teams. Taskin Ahmed and Nasum Ahmed will also play critical roles with the ball. The squad has depth in both batting and bowling, with fresh talents like Tawhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali also included.
Overall, the team blends experience with youthful energy, and their performances will determine how far Bangladesh can go in the tournament.
Bangladesh’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Fixtures
The team’s group-stage fixtures will be crucial for determining their progress in the competition. Their opening match will be against India on February 20, 2025, in Dubai. This high-stakes game will set the tone for the tournament.
On February 24, Bangladesh will face New Zealand in Rawalpindi, a match that promises to be challenging, given New Zealand’s consistent record in international cricket. The final group-stage match will be against Pakistan on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
Each of these matches will test Bangladesh’s abilities, especially in crucial situations, as they aim to build on their semi-final finish from the last edition of the Champions Trophy.
Bangladesh Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025#BCB #Cricket #ChampionsTrophy #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/GtO9UtNihp
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 12, 2025
Full Bangladesh Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Here is the full list of players included in Bangladesh’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Mahmudullah
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Soumya Sarkar
- Tanzid Hasan
- Tawhid Hridoy
- Jaker Ali
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Nasum Ahmed
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Nahid Rana
This squad will have the support of passionate cricket fans from Bangladesh, who hope to see their team perform well and make a strong run in the tournament.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND