Bangladesh has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The team will be led by top-order batter Najmul Hossain Shanto, who has been appointed as the captain.
Key Players and Notable Absences
The squad features several seasoned players, including wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim, all-rounder Mahmudullah, and pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. However, the team will be without veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been suspended from bowling under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following an independent re-assessment. Despite being eligible to play solely as a batter, Bangladesh has opted not to include him in the squad.
Additionally, former captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket, stating that he did not wish to be a distraction for the team ahead of the Champions Trophy. Tamim, who has been a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s cricketing history, made his international debut in 2007 and has scored over 15,000 runs across all formats.
Emerging Talent
The squad also includes newcomers such as Parvez Hossain Emon and rising pacer Nahid Rana, indicating a strategic move to infuse fresh talent into the team. Their inclusion reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to nurturing young players and building a competitive side for the prestigious tournament.
Coaching Changes
In a significant development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appointed Phil Simmons as the new head coach of the national men’s team, replacing Chandika Hathurusingha, who was suspended for misconduct. Simmons, a former West Indies batter, brings a wealth of experience to the role and is expected to play a crucial part in preparing the team for the Champions Trophy.
Squad Overview
The final 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is as follows:
- Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Wicketkeeper: Mushfiqur Rahim
- Batter: Towhid Hridoy
- Batters: Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon
- All-rounders: Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Bowlers: Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana
This lineup reflects a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers, aiming to deliver a strong performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy.