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The Bangladesh Cricket Board could reportedly consider bringing in the experienced Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal for the Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
Bangladesh could have their expereienced pair of Shakib Al Hasan (L) and Tamim Iqbal (R) for the Champions Trophy 2025. (Image: AFP)
The President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly suggested that Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal could be available for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCB could consider players who have not officially confirmed their retirement.
“If any player does not retire then he is available for selection (for the Champions Trophy),” Faruque Ahmed was quoted as saying.
Shakib’s case is a bit different as he is not able to return to Bangladesh, owing to his political involvement with the now-defunct Awami League party. In addition, his bowling action has been put under the spotlight after he was banned from bowling in international competitions as well after the ECB’s suspension.
“Shakib issue is a different issue and there is nothing new. In the last West Indies tour he was not in a mental state to play and now Shakib will say whether he will play BPL or what is his state I cannot say anything because I don’t have any update regarding him,” Faruque said.
Tamim Iqbal’s preparations are already underway as he gears up for the Bangladesh Premier League along with the ongoing NCL T20 where he smashed two fifties to indicate that he still might have something to offer with the bat.
“As far as Tamim is concerned look what the chief selector said. There is no policy and if a player is yet to retire and the selectors think he is required for the team in that case the selection committee will have to talk with that particular player,” Faruque added.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board also have to come to a solution regarding their long-term captain as Najmullah Hossain Shanto has revealed that he is not ready to continue and had decided to stay on after the BCB President’s request.
“We have just completed a series and there is nothing ahead of the Champions Trophy as the boys will play BPL so we have time in our hands. We have not discussed anything in this regard. We will discuss it when the time comes,” said Faruque.
“We will decide after December (regarding Shanto’s captaincy),” he added.
