Shakib And Tamim Could Play Champions Trophy, Says BCB Chief

The possibility of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal returning to the national cricket team remains uncertain. Despite their absence from recent matches, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed suggests the duo could participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. However, the final decision rests on their availability and willingness to return.

Shakib and Tamim are eligible for the Champions Trophy if they don’t retire.
Shakib is focusing on franchise cricket and has not clarified his BPL participation.
Tamim’s return depends on team requirements and selectors’ decisions.
The ICC Champions Trophy will occur in February 2025 under a hybrid model.

Uncertain Futures for Key Players

The ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in February next year under a hybrid model, could feature the experienced duo if they decide to rejoin the team. With less than two months until the tournament, speculation continues about their participation. Neither Shakib nor Tamim has officially retired, leaving the door open for a comeback.

Shakib last played for Bangladesh during a Test series against India in September 2024. Tamim, on the other hand, has been absent from international cricket for 15 months, with his last appearance in September 2023 against New Zealand. Their absence has created a void in the team, but both players remain active in other cricket formats.

Selector’s Perspective on Their Return

BCB Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain highlighted the complexities surrounding the players’ return. Speaking about Shakib, he mentioned the cricketer’s unpredictable nature. Shakib recently missed the West Indies series due to personal reasons, and his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) remains uncertain.

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Tamim’s situation appears less complicated. Hossain clarified that there is no special policy regarding Tamim’s selection. Decisions will depend on whether the team requires his expertise and whether he is available to play.

Shakib’s Retirement Plans and Ongoing Career

Earlier this year, Shakib announced his retirement from T20 internationals, intending to focus on Test matches. He planned to retire from Test cricket after the Mirpur Test against South Africa but has not yet made an official exit.

Shakib’s international career has faced interruptions. After returning from the India Test series, he paused his national duties amidst concerns about political unrest in Bangladesh. Currently, he is actively participating in franchise cricket tournaments abroad, including the Abu Dhabi T10 League and the Lanka T10 League, where he showcased his all-rounder skills.

Challenges Ahead for Bangladesh Cricket

The absence of Shakib and Tamim has put pressure on the national team. Their experience in global tournaments could be invaluable for the Champions Trophy. However, their current priorities and ongoing commitments to international leagues complicate the scenario.

The selectors and BCB officials must weigh the pros and cons of bringing them back. Their potential inclusion could bolster team morale and performance, but the uncertainty around their decisions keeps fans and officials guessing.

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