**Bangladesh Omit Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das from Champions Trophy Squad**
In a significant move ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the tournament, leaving out two of the country’s most prominent cricketers: Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das. The decision has sparked considerable debate within the cricketing community, with many questioning the rationale behind the exclusion of these experienced players.
Shakib Al Hasan, a 37-year-old veteran all-rounder, has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s cricket team for over a decade. However, his inclusion in the squad was ruled out due to a bowling action suspension. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had barred him from bowling in international competitions following an independent assessment at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai, India. Despite being eligible to play solely as a batter, the BCB has opted not to include him in the squad.
Litton Das, on the other hand, has been a regular in the Bangladesh cricket team over the past few years. However, his recent form has been a concern for the selectors. He has struggled to come back into form after a poor start to the year, scoring six single-digit scores in his last 15 matches. This lack of consistency, coupled with his inability to score a half-century, has led to his exclusion from the squad. In his absence, Jaker Ali is expected to don the wicketkeeping gloves.
The squad, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, includes several experienced campaigners like wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim and all-rounder Mahmudullah. These players will take on the critical responsibility of anchoring the team and guiding them through the challenges of the tournament. The inclusion of young and promising players like Parvez Hossain Emon and Nahid Rana adds a fresh dimension to the squad, bringing with them aggressive stroke play and impactful bowling.
Bangladesh will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against India on February 20 in Dubai. The team will then face New Zealand on February 24 in Rawalpindi before taking on Pakistan on February 27 in the same venue. The absence of Tamim Iqbal, who recently retired from international cricket, is another setback for the team. Tamim was among Bangladesh’s top scorers in the previous tournament, and his experience at the top order will be missed.
Despite the omissions, Bangladesh are determined to build on their 2017 semi-final success and aim for the coveted silverware in the highly anticipated tournament. The team’s blend of experience and youthful exuberance presents an opportunity to foster new heroes on cricket’s global stage. As they embark on this journey, Bangladesh will look to their seasoned players to guide them through the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the young talent in the squad.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an exciting tournament, with Bangladesh placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The team’s campaign will largely depend on the performances of their experienced heads, who must navigate the complexities of international cricket while also providing a platform for the emerging stars to shine. As the tournament approaches, one thing is clear: Bangladesh will be looking to make a significant impact, despite the absence of two of their most prominent players.
**Bangladesh Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:**
1. **Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)**
2. **Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)**
3. **Towhid Hridoy**
4. **Soumya Sarkar**
5. **Tanzid Hasan**
6. **Mahmudullah**
7. **Jaker Ali Anik**
8. **Mehidy Hasan Miraz**
9. **Rishad Hossain**
10. **Taskin Ahmed**
11. **Mustafizur Rahman**
12. **Parvez Hossain Emon**
13. **Nasum Ahmed**
14. **Tanzim Hasan Sakib**
15. **Nahid Rana**
Bangladesh’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be an intriguing one, filled with both challenges and opportunities. As they take to the field against some of the world’s best teams, they will be looking to make a lasting impression and bring home the coveted trophy. The absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das may be a significant blow, but it also presents a chance for the team to rediscover themselves and emerge stronger than ever before. The stage is set for an exciting tournament, and Bangladesh are ready to take on the challenge head-on.
