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With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy set to return next year after its seven-year hiatus, there is a lot going around it. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in sink with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the tournament in a hybrid model, with India playing all its matches at a neutral venue, either Sri Lanka or the UAE, Bangladesh is also well prepping up for the marquee tournament.
Recently, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed spoke of the side’s preparation for the 50-over tournament, hinting at inclusion of several key players. The BCB President, along with the chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain talked about future of their veterans, including Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.
BCB President hints at Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal’s inclusion for Champions Trophy
Faruque Ahmed, BCB President while speaking to the media hinted at the inclusion of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal in the squad for Champions Trophy 2025. Moreover, Ahmed was confident to have the experience of the two cricketers, stating that if they haven’t retired that implies they will be available for selection.
"If any player does not retire then he is definitely available for selection (for the Champions Trophy). Shakib issue is a totally different issue and there is nothing new. In the last West Indies tour he was not in a mental state to play and now Shakib will say whether he will play BPL or what is his state and I cannot say anything because I don't have any update regarding him,” Faruque Ahmed was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
"As far as Tamim is concerned look what the chief selector said. There is no policy and if a player is yet to retire and the selectors think he is required for the team in that case the selection committee will have to talk with that particular player," he added. It is to be noted that Shakib Al Hasan has been linked with the political unrest, barring him from entering the country. Further, things mounted for the veteran all-rounder, who has been suspended by the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), followed by International Cricket Council (ICC) for his bowling action.
We will discuss when the time comes: BCB President on Bangladesh captaincy
Furthermore, the BCB President was also questioned about Bangladesh captain with Najmul Hossain Shanto’s captaincy tenure coming to an end this month. Faruque Ahmed clarified that the board hasn’t decided anything yet and will comfirm when the time comes. “We have just completed a series and there is nothing ahead of 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," he said.
