We are going to Champions Trophy to become champions: Najmul Shanto

The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence from February 19 as the top eight ODI teams battle for glory in Pakistan and UAE. Though some teams have had a great run in 50-over onternationals, some have suffered lately in the said format. One from the latter club is Bangladesh. 

The side is set to be led by left-handed top-order batter Najmul Hossain Shanto who will be making a long-awaited return to international cricket since November 2024. With 24 losses in 41 ODIs since 2023, Bangladesh's record has been anything but impressive. However, Shanto is confident of his team's chances to go all the way, and he considers his men as one of the title contenders in the upcoming tournament.

“We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions, all eight teams deserve to be champions in this tournament. They are all quality teams. I believe our team has the ability. No one will feel extra pressure. Everyone genuinely wants (to become champions), and believes in their capabilities. We don't know what Allah has written in our fate. We are working hard and doing our best. I believe we can achieve our goal,” Shanto said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. 

Also Read: We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions: Bangladesh Head coach Simmons

Asked to comment on the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who has not made it into the squad and has been suspended from bowling due to an illegal bowling action, the skipper said that he was confident in the 15 players picked for the tournament. Meanwhile, in addition to Shakib, there are few other big players like Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal are also missing from the squad. 

“Of course, we will miss him but I don't know why this question is being asked, everyone already knows the answer, and many players have said it before. Of course, we will miss Shakib bhai. It would have been great if he were here. This question has been answered many times. I don't think it's relevant to talk about this before a tournament. So, who will take over Shakib's role in the team? Whoever gets the responsibility will have to play Shakib's role," Shanto stated.

"I am very happy and confident with the 15 players in the squad," he said. "Anyone who plays has the ability to win a match single-handedly." he added.

Speaking of what he expects from the pitches in Pakistan and UAE, Shanto said that it will be critical to adjust to the conditions quickly and put up totals in excess of at least 300 when batting first.

"I expect the pitches in Pakistan to be 300-plus wickets. If we bat first, we need to put up such scores. Even while defending, we will need to defend such scores. In Dubai, conditions vary at different times. Still, I think scores will be around 260-280. It's tough to predict exact numbers, but historically, that's how it has been. We will analyse how many runs are needed on a given day or how many we need to restrict the opposition to."

Bangladesh will play their tournament opener against India in Dubai on February 20 before flying to Rawalpindi for their next two games, against New Zealand and Pakistan, on February 24 and 27 respectively.