Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his side is vying for the Champions Trophy 2025 title.
Bangladesh hasn’t had a great run in International cricket, but somehow they pose a tough threat at the upper level of cricket. Lately, they have little to no record of preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto firmly believes that his side is contending for the title.
Since 2023, the Bangladesh Cricket team has lost 24 matches out of 41, including series losses against Afghanistan and West Indies, where they were whitewashed in the 3 ODI matches. However, they made a significant return with a 3-0 win in Twenty 20 Internationals.
Shanto, as well, displayed inconsistent performance, as he came off an injury and a string of low scores in the Bangladesh Premier League [BPL]. Besides, the 26-year-old was absent from International cricket since November after he was ruled out of the West Indies tour due to a hamstring injury. Despite this, Shanto will be leading his side, showcasing his experience in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he previously guided the squad to the semi-finals in 2017.
Shanto, expressing faith in his team, said, “We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions. All eight teams deserve to be champions in this tournament. They are all quality teams. I believe our team has the ability. No one will feel extra pressure. Everyone genuinely wants (to become champions), and believes in their capabilities. We don’t know what Allah has written in our fate. We are working hard and doing our best. I believe we can achieve our goal.
“I am very happy and confident with the 15 players in the squad. Anyone who plays has the ability to win a match single-handedly. Not too long ago, we didn’t have quality pace bowlers, but now we have a strong pace bowling unit. We didn’t have wrist spinners before, but now we do. Overall, we have a balanced team. If everyone fulfills their responsibilities properly, we can defeat any team at any time.”