New Delhi: Bangladesh veterans Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are available for Champions Trophy 2025, said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed on Saturday. Dark clouds loomed over the participation of the two players after BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain indicated that he is unsure regarding the futures of the two seniors and their participation in the Champions Trophy.
For those unversed, political issues barred Shakib from entering the country and the veteran all-rounder also came under the spotlight for a suspected bowling action. Shakib now has to get a clearance again so that he can bowl in international cricket and other domestic competitions as well.
Meanwhile, Tamim began his preparation for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with the ongoing NCL T20 and already scored two fifties to make it clear he still has very much to offer despite taking the field after a seven-month gap.
“If any player does not retire then he is definitely available for selection (for the Champions Trophy),” Faruque told media at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday, as quoted by Cricbuzz. On Shakib, he said that his issue is different and he cannot say anything because he doesn’t have any update on him. For Tamim, the BCB president said if the selectors think he is required for the team, they will have to talk to him.
Najmul Hossain Shanto – the captain
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s captaincy was also discussed as Faruque said BCB will make a call on it after his tenure gets completed in December. Najmul didn’t want to continue as the leader after the home series against South Africa and only changed his mind after Faruque convinced him.
“We have just completed a series and there is nothing ahead of the Champions Trophy as the boys will play BPL so we have time in our hand. We have not discussed anything in this regard. We will discuss when the time comes. We will decide after December (regarding Shanto’s captaincy),” he added.
The BCB president has hinted at the inclusion of two senior Bangladesh players in the the ICC Champions Trophy which will be played in February-March 2025 and will be hosted by Pakistan. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
