Can Bangladesh Overcome Challenges and Make History at ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Without Shakib?

Bangladesh is set to begin its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a challenging fixture against India in Dubai on Thursday, followed by matches against New Zealand on February 24 and Pakistan on February 27 in Rawalpindi. However, the team enters the tournament without their most experienced all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, raising questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. Alongside his absence, Bangladesh’s recent lack of winning momentum and struggles in defending totals could be key concerns as they aim to make an impact.

In the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh played four bilateral series but managed to secure just one victory against Sri Lanka at home. Their performances away from home have been particularly underwhelming, losing all three series against New Zealand, Afghanistan, and West Indies. Out of 12 ODIs played in this period, Bangladesh won just four. Their recent series results include a 1-2 loss against New Zealand, a 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka, a 1-2 defeat to Afghanistan in the UAE, and a 3-0 whitewash against the West Indies.

Despite these setbacks, Bangladesh does have several positives to rely on. The batting lineup features multiple in-form players, including Soumya Sarkar, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahmudullah, and Mushfiqur Rahim, who have been consistent run-scorers. Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s all-round abilities could also prove crucial, especially in Shakib’s absence. The bowling department looks promising, with pacers Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam performing well in recent matches. Their form will be critical in Bangladesh’s attempt to control opposition batting lineups.

However, the team faces notable challenges. The absence of Shakib, who has been a key figure in Bangladesh cricket for years, leaves a significant void in both batting and bowling. Additionally, Bangladesh’s history in ICC tournaments has not been particularly strong, with their best performance coming in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy when they reached the semifinals. A lack of confidence in such high-pressure tournaments could affect their mindset. Another major issue is their recent poor record in defending totals. Bangladesh has lost six of its last eight matches while setting a target, with just one successful defense. Their record while chasing is slightly better, with three wins in five attempts, but they will need to improve significantly to compete against top teams.

From the 2023 World Cup onwards, several players have stood out with consistent performances. Soumya Sarkar has been Bangladesh’s top scorer with 430 runs in 11 innings at an average of 43.00, including a century and two fifties. Najmul Hossain Shanto has amassed 358 runs in eight innings at an average of 59.66, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz (352 runs in 10 innings) and Mahmudullah (337 runs in nine innings) have also contributed significantly. Tanzid Hassan has chipped in with 234 runs in seven innings.

On the bowling front, Taskin Ahmed has been the standout performer, taking 14 wickets in seven matches at an average of 23.92. Shoriful Islam (13 wickets in 10 matches), Mustafizur Rahman (11 wickets in six matches), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (nine wickets in 12 matches), and Tanzim Hasan (eight wickets in six matches) have also delivered noteworthy performances.

As Bangladesh heads into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, their squad comprises Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Nahid Rana.