Shakib and Tamim won't play Champions Trophy [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @mufaddal_vohra/X]
In a significant development, Bangladesh have announced a formidable 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. While legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been left out, Najmul Shanto has been named captain of the team. The absence of veteran batter Litton Das is also a major highlight of the selection, with Bangladesh dropping the batter for his prolonged slump in international cricket.
Bangladesh's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is in sharp contrast with the one they had for the tournament's previous edition. As the Tigers gear up for the showpiece event, here are the three most significant changes in their squad for this year's Champions Trophy.
Mehidy Hasan Replaces Shakib As Prime All-Rounder
- The rise of Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the backbone of Bangladesh across formats has been remarkable. The spin-bowling all-rounder, who was a rookie back in 2017, has matured into a proven match-winner in ODIs.
- Apart from bamboozling batters with his wily off-spin bowling, Mehidy Hasan adds quality and stability to Bangladesh's batting lineup. He is a flamboyant stroke player and has replaced Shakib Al Hasan at number four, which is considered a critical batting position in ODIs.
- However, Mehidy seems able to fill the giant void, as he has slammed 271 runs at a healthy average of 38.71 at number four. Considering his immense potential, these numbers will only get better as he gets more opportunities in Bangladesh's top four.
Najmul Shanto Replaces Mortaza As Captain
- Legendary fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza was Bangladesh's captain in the previous Champions Trophy edition. However, the talismanic cricketer retired long ago, with Najmul Hossain Shanto taking over the reins.
- Mortaza is hailed as one of the finest captains in Bangladesh cricket history, and it will be an uphill task for Shanto to recreate his achievements. Having said that, Shanto definitely has the resources to help Bangladesh script history by forcing multiple upsets in the tournament.
Tanzid Hasan Replaces Tamim Iqbal
- Tamim Iqbal is regarded as one of the finest batters to have emerged from Bangladesh in international cricket. The southpaw was Bangladesh's most successful batter in the 2017 Champions Trophy, slamming 293 runs in four outings at a magnificent average of 73.25 and a strike rate of 86.17.
- Although Tamim still had plenty of gas left in his tank, his clash with the Bangladesh Cricket Board led to his premature retirement from international cricket. Young batter Tanzid Hasan will replace him as opener this time, and it will be interesting to see if he can replicate similar success at the highest level.