Tamim Iqbal, Shakib al Hasan to play together again in ICC Champions Trophy!! Drastic update of Bangladesh cricket
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is awaiting the availability of key players Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. BCB will finalize its squad once the status of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan is confirmed for the tournament to be played in February and March..
Tamim Iqbal, who last played international cricket in September 2023, is in talks with the chief selector over his availability. Left handed currently managed by Fortune Barishal in Bangladesh Premier League. Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan’s participation is uncertain after he was reported for a questionable action.
We spoke to Tamim Iqbal on behalf of the management – chief selector of Bangladesh
Bangladesh chief coach Gazi Ashraf Hossain said the board has started talks with Tamim Iqbal about his availability for the Champions Trophy. Tamim was given time to make a decision. Hossain stated that the slab has been prepared and has completed its foundations.
“We have had a primary discussion with Tamim. We have to announce the team for the Champions Trophy by January 12, so we have some time. We want to let him take his time and not rush into making decisions iwI spoke to him on behalf of the board. The player must make a decision after talking with his family, friends and well-wishers. He’s also in the middle of the tournament so he’ll need some time.”
“We still have four days [before announcing the squad]. We’ve done our homework, so we know how things will go iwGive respect to a cricketer like Tamim Iqbal so he can take time before letting us know. I think that’s fair enough. The board is fine with this, so now everyone has to be patient,” Hossain said.
Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket in July 2023
Tamim Iqbal initially announced his retirement from international cricket in July 2023 during the ODI in Afghanistan, but reversed his decision after discussions with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 35-year-old last represented Bangladesh in an ODI series against New Zealand in September 2023.
Tamim was ruled out of the 2023 World Cup ODIs due to a clash with management and then-captain Shakib Al Hasan. Later, Tamim withdrew from Bangladesh’s central contract list.
Shakib Al Hasan awaits the results of the second bowling action test
Shakib Al Hasan is awaiting the results of the second action bowling test conducted in Chennai after a failed assessment at Loughborough University in the UK, which led to his suspension from bowling in domestic and international cricket.
However, Shakib is being considered for selection in the Champions Trophy squad, with BCB chairman Faruque Ahmed and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto supporting his inclusion. The 37-year-old last played for Bangladesh in the Test series against India, which they lost 2-0.
Gazi Ashraf Hossain said it was very shocking to hear that Shakib could not pass the bowling action test in Loughborough. He noted that he will find out if Shakib has been tested again, but is confident that he will have clarity on the matter in a few days.
“It was very shocking to hear that Shakib could not pass the bowling action test [at Loughborough]”, Gazi said. “I’ll have to find out if he tested again. We have to wait for this information. The board has not fully informed us about Shakib. I think every minute is important and I’m sure we can clear that up in a day or two.”
