Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed has stated that famous 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 amid speculation surrounding the pair’s participation, fueled by recent comments from BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain, who admitted uncertainty over his future.
Shakib’s situation is complicated by political restrictions that prevent him from entering Pakistan and concerns about a suspected bowling action, which requires authorization before he can bowl in national or international 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 will definitely be available for selection (for the Champions Trophy),” Faruque told reporters after a board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.
Addressing Shakib’s availability, Faruque clarified, “Shakib’s problem 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 is up to Shakib to communicate whether he will either participate in the BPL or clarify his current status, I have no update on him.”
Faruque also commented on Tamim’s situation, indicating that the selectors would discuss the team’s needs directly with the players who have not retired.
“As far as Tamim is concerned, see what the chief selector said. There is no policy that prevents this. If a player has not retired and the selectors deem him necessary for the team, the selection committee will discuss the matter directly with the player,” he explained.
Faruque also revealed that the decision on Najmul Hossain Shanto’s captaincy will be taken after the end of his term 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 lead.
“We have just completed a series and with the Champions Trophy still far away, the players will be focusing on the BPL. We have time to discuss this. We will decide when the time comes,” he said.
“We will finalize the decision on Shanto’s captaincy after December,” he added.
It is pertinent to mention that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played at host venues in Pakistan and at a neutral venue, as confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a wider agreement under which matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral venues, ensuring logistical and security viability.
The ‘merger formula’ will also apply to major ICC tournaments other than the Champions Trophy, including the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (hosted in India) and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka).
Under this agreement, knockout stage games, including the final, will be played at neutral venues if India and Pakistan qualify.
