Bangladesh Set to Face Tough Competition in Champions Trophy 2025, but Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto Believes They’re Title Contenders.
Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto Confident His Team Can Contend for ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Despite Tough Group with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto Eyes Champions Trophy Glory: ‘We’re Going to Become Champions
Despite a challenging recent record in ODIs and the absence of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remains optimistic about his team’s chances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The squad is set to face tough opponents like India, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Group A, but Shanto believes his side has what it takes to lift the title.
“We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions,” Shanto confidently stated. “All eight teams deserve to be champions. They’re all quality sides, but I believe our team has the ability. No one will feel extra pressure. Everyone genuinely believes in their capabilities and wants to succeed. We don’t know what fate holds, but we’re working hard, and we can achieve our goal.”
While recent ODI form has been less than ideal, with series defeats to Afghanistan and the West Indies, Shanto insists that his team is prepared for the challenge. Bangladesh’s last ODI series, a 3-0 loss to the West Indies in December 2024, further adds to the pressure. On top of that, the team will miss the presence of Shakib, who has been suspended from bowling due to an illegal action.
Shanto acknowledged Shakib’s absence, saying, “Of course, we will miss him. But this question has been asked many times, and the answer is clear. It would have been great if he were here, but now we must move forward.”
Looking ahead to the conditions in Pakistan and Dubai, Shanto anticipates high-scoring matches, particularly in Pakistan. “I expect scores of 300-plus on the wickets in Pakistan,” he said. “Whether batting first or defending, we’ll need to aim for these kinds of totals. In Dubai, conditions may vary, but scores around 260-280 are likely.”
Shanto and his team are focused on analyzing the conditions and adapting accordingly, as they aim to make their mark in the prestigious tournament.
