Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 led by Mohammad Nazmul Hossain and the main talking point of their squad was the exclusion of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. This Champions Trophy will be the first-ever occasion where a Bangladeshi team will head into an ICC event without the premier all-rounder, ever since he made his international debut.
Shakib who last featured against India in the two-Test match series was in contention for a spot in Bangladesh's squad for the mega event after skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed decided in favour of the all-rounder's inclusion.
"It was very shocking to hear that Shakib couldn't pass the bowling action test (at Loughborough). I will have to find out whether he has tested himself again. "We have to wait for this information. The board hasn't instructed us fully on Shakib. I think every minute counts. I am sure we can clarify this in a day or two," Hossain was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
However, the main reason behind Shakib's omission could be his bowling assessment Test as the BCB announced their squad after the star all-rounder failed his second bowling assessment test which was conducted in Chennai last month. The 37-year-old was first reported for suspect bowling action last September during a one-off County Championship match while playing for Surrey.
ALSO READ: BCCI appoints Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar's successor ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
Bangladesh's Champions Trophy 2025 schedule
Bangladesh will play their Champions Trophy 2025 opener clash against India which is scheduled to take place on February 20 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Bangladesh were the semifinalists of the last edition of the tournament.
20 February - Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
24 February - Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
27 February - Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
Bangladesh's Champions Trophy Squad
Nazmul Hossain (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 Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana