Champions Trophy Bangladesh Squad

Bangladesh have made significant changes to their squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, notably leaving out wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das. His exclusion comes after a prolonged period of poor form in ODIs, where he has struggled to make an impact. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, he has failed to score a half-century in 13 consecutive innings and has been dismissed for single-digit scores in six of his last seven innings.

All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has also been omitted, a decision that was widely expected. His exclusion follows a suspension from bowling in top-level cricket due to an illegal action. Shakib recently underwent a second independent assessment, which he failed, effectively ending his chances of making the squad. Given his absence from the squad, this could mark the end of his ODI career.

Other notable omissions

Apart from Litton and Shakib, Bangladesh selectors have left out Afif Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud. The team management appears to be focusing on players in better form as they prepare for the challenging conditions of the Champions Trophy.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been named in the squad after missing Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies last year due to a hamstring injury. Alongside him, experienced players such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy and Mustafizur Rahman have also returned to the setup.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain addressed Litton's exclusion, pointing out that his repeated failures at the top of the order had forced the selectors to look at other options.

"Litton has been struggling for form and has been getting out in a similar fashion repeatedly. His inability to capitalise on the powerplay has put the team in difficult positions. Opposition analysts have been able to exploit his weaknesses, and despite multiple opportunities, he hasn’t been able to regain his touch," said Ashraf.

He further emphasised that the team needed in-form batters, especially for high-scoring venues like Rawalpindi, where even a total of 336 proved insufficient for New Zealand.

However, Ashraf also expressed confidence that Litton could work his way back into the national team. "Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan Tamim are our likely openers, making it difficult for Litton to find a spot. But there's no question about his talent. He needs to focus on regaining his confidence, and we have the right people to help him during this phase."

Bangladesh squad for Champions Trophy

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana.