The Bangladesh national cricket team is gearing up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus.
Squad Announcement:
On January 12, 2025, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy:
- Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Wicketkeeper: Mushfiqur Rahim
- Batsmen: Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Parvez Hossain Emon, Jaker Ali Anik
- All-rounders: Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Bowlers: Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana
Notably, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was excluded from the squad due to a suspension on his bowling action, which remains in effect after he failed a reassessment test in January 2025.
Retirement of Tamim Iqbal:
Former captain Tamim Iqbal announced his retirement from international cricket on January 11, 2025. Despite discussions with the selection committee and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tamim chose to retire, stating he did not wish to be a distraction for the team ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Coaching Changes:
In October 2024, the BCB appointed Phil Simmons as the head coach of the national team, replacing Chandika Hathurusingha, who was suspended on disciplinary grounds. Simmons, a former West Indies batter, brings extensive coaching experience, including leading West Indies to the T20 World Championship in 2016.
Tournament Details:
The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan (hosts), India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
- Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the final scheduled for March 9, 2025.
Bangladesh's group-stage fixtures are as follows:
- February 20: Bangladesh vs. India in Dubai
- February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand in Rawalpindi
- February 27: Bangladesh vs. Pakistan in Rawalpindi
The team is preparing to compete against some of the world's top cricketing nations, aiming to build on their previous semi-final appearance in the 2017 Champions Trophy.
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