February 13, 2025: Bangladesh’s captain, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, has sent a strong and determined message to rival teams as his squad heads into the ICC Champions Trophy. Despite their mixed performance in recent tournaments, including only two wins in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Shanto remains confident that his team can pull off a major upset and secure their first-ever ICC title.
Speaking to ICC, Shanto emphasized that his team’s belief is growing, and they’re entering the tournament with the goal of becoming champions. “We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions,” he declared. He acknowledged the strength of the competition, but firmly believes that Bangladesh has the ability to surprise their rivals in the eight-team event set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19.
“We don’t know what Allah has written in our fate. We are working hard and doing our best. I believe we can achieve our goal,” Shanto added, showing his unwavering commitment to the team’s ambitions.
Bangladesh has been placed in Group A for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with their first match against India scheduled for February 20 in Dubai. They will also play New Zealand on February 24 and Pakistan on February 27, with the potential to reach the knockout stages if they perform well in the group phase.
Although former captain Shakib Al Hasan is absent from the squad, Shanto is confident in his 15-player group, which he feels is well-balanced with a healthy mix of youth and experience. He pointed out the growth in Bangladesh’s bowling department, with the team now boasting a strong pace attack and wrist spinners, areas where they were previously lacking. “If everyone fulfills their responsibilities properly, we can defeat any team at any time,” Shanto said, showing his faith in the team’s potential.
The Bangladesh squad for the Champions Trophy includes:
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Soumya Sarkar
- Tanzid Hasan
- Tawhid Hridoy
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- MD Mahmud Ullah
- Jaker Ali Anik
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Rishad Hossain
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Parvez Hossain Emon
- Nasum Ahmed
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Nahid Rana
With a positive mindset and strong team spirit, Shanto and his team are ready to take on the giants of world cricket in their quest for glory.