The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President, Faruque Ahmed, reportedly stated that star cricketers Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are likely to be included in the squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
The announcement comes amidst speculation surrounding the duo's participation, fueled by recent comments from BCB Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain, who admitted uncertainty about their futures.
Shakib’s situation is complicated by political restrictions barring his entry into Pakistan and concerns over a suspected bowling action, which requires clearance before he can bowl in international or domestic leagues.
Meanwhile, Tamim, who recently returned to competitive cricket after a seven-month hiatus, has shown impressive form in the ongoing NCL T20, scoring two half-centuries as part of his preparation for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
"If any player does not retire, then he is definitely available for selection (for the Champions Trophy)," Faruque told reporters following a board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.
Addressing Shakib’s availability, Faruque clarified, "Shakib’s issue is completely different, and there is nothing new to add. During the last West Indies tour, he was not in a mental state to play. Now, it’s up to Shakib to communicate whether he will participate in the BPL or clarify his current state. I have no updates regarding him."
Faruque also commented on Tamim’s situation, indicating that selectors would discuss team needs directly with players who haven’t retired.
"As far as Tamim is concerned, look at what the chief selector said. There is no policy preventing this. If a player hasn’t retired and the selectors deem him necessary for the team, the selection committee will discuss it directly with the player," he explained.
Faruque further revealed that a decision on Najmul Hossain Shanto’s captaincy will be made after his tenure ends in December.
Najmul, who previously expressed reluctance to continue as captain after the home series against South Africa, was persuaded by Faruque to extend his leadership.
"We’ve just completed a series, and with the Champions Trophy still far away, the players will be focused on the BPL. We have time to discuss this. We’ll decide when the time comes," he said.
"We will finalize the decision regarding Shanto’s captaincy after December," he added.
It is pertinent to mention that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across host venues in Pakistan and a neutral location, as confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a broader arrangement where matches between India and Pakistan at ICC events during the 2024–2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral venues, ensuring logistical and security feasibility.
The ‘fusion formula’ will also apply to major ICC tournaments beyond the Champions Trophy, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (to be hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Under this arrangement, knockout-stage matches, including the final, will be played at neutral venues if India and Pakistan qualify.
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Tamim Iqbal
