Former Pakistan star Mushtaq Ahmed has rejoined Bangladesh as their spin-bowling coach for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His return aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s spin strategy in the tournament, which starts on February 19. The team will face tough matches against India, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Group A .
Mushtaq Ahmed’s Role in Bangladesh’s Spin Strategy
Mushtaq Ahmed, a hero of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup win, brings years of coaching experience. He previously worked with England, West Indies, and Pakistan teams. Now, he will train Bangladesh’s spinners like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain for the Champions Trophy .
Banglades’s spin attack struggled in recent tours to Afghanistan and the West Indies. Mushtaq missed those series but is now focused on improving performance in Dubai and Pakistan. His expertise on Asian pitches could help Bangladesh defend higher scores .
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is discussing a long-term contract with Mushtaq. His current role includes guiding bowlers during the team’s training camp in Mirpur. Analysts like Nasir Ahmed Nasu will also support strategy development .
Bangladesh’s Squad and Key Players for the Tournament
Bangladesh’s 15-member squad, led by Nazmul Hossain Shanto, mixes youth and experience. Veterans like Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim will support young talents such as Tanzid Hasan Tamim .
Key players to watch:
- Rishad Hossain: A rising spin star praised by captain Tamim Iqbal after the BPL Final.
- Mustafizur Rahman: Known for his deadly cutters and pace variations.
- Taskin Ahmed: The team’s leading fast bowler.
The squad faces pressure to perform outside home conditions. Batters have scored well recently, but bowlers failed to defend totals above 280. Mushtaq’s coaching could fix this gap .
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule and Venues
The tournament will be held in Pakistan and Dubai, with 15 matches from February 19 to March 9. Bangladesh’s group-stage matches:
- February 20: vs India in Dubai
- February 24: vs New Zealand in Rawalpindi
- February 27: vs Pakistan in Rawalpindi .
Key tournament details:
- Semi-finals: March 4 (Dubai) and March 5 (Lahore).
- Final: March 9 in Lahore, unless India qualifies, shifting it to Dubai .
Bangladesh must finish in the top two of Group A to advance. Matches in Dubai will test their adaptability to drier pitches, while Rawalpindi offers swing-friendly conditions .
Challenges for Bangladesh in Group A
Facing India first is a tough start. India defeated Bangladesh in their only Champions Trophy clash in 2017. However, Bangladesh’s improved batting could challenge India’s pace-heavy attack .
New Zealand has a young but skilled pace lineup. Bangladesh’s spinners must exploit Rawalpindi’s slower tracks. The absence of Tim Southee and Trent Boult weakens New Zealand’s experience .
Hosts Pakitan are defending champions and crowd favorites. Their squad includes stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. Bangladesh’s bowlers need discipline to counter Pakistan’s aggressive batting .
How Sin Bowling Could Decide Bangladesh’s Fate
Asian pitches often favor spinners, and Dubai is no exception. Mushtaq Ahmed has trained Bangladesh’s bowlers to use variations like googlies and sliders. This could trouble teams like India, which struggles against quality spin .
Rishad Hosain’s leg-spin and Mehidy Hasan’s off-breaks will be crucial. Their performance in the recent BPL (Bangladesh Premier League) shows they can handle pressure .
If Bangladsh’s spinners dominate, they could secure semi-final spots. However, part-time options like Mahmudullah Riyad must support the main bowlers in tight matches .
Preparing for the Champions Trophy: Logistics and Plans
The BCB has finalized travel plans, with the team flying to Dubai on February 14. Training camps in Mirpur focused on simulating match conditions in Pakistan and the UAE .
Mushtaq Amed joined the camp early to work on specific strategies. Video analysis by Nasir Ahmed Nasu will study opponents’ weaknesses, especially against spin .
Fans hope Bangladesh repeats its BPL 2024 success, where Fortune Barishal won under Tamim Iqbal’s leadership. Team morale is high, but consistency in ODIs remains a challenge .
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
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
