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'We Will Become Champions': Najmul Shanto's Bold Prediction For Champions Trophy

Kaushik Kashyap

Bangladesh Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto. [Source- BCB/x.com]Bangladesh Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto. [Source- BCB/x.com]

Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto has made a massive statement about his team Bangladesh’s chances in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Shanto believes that his side will cause massive damage to the opponents in what can be their first ICC title in history.

The much anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just less than a week away as it is scheduled to start from February 19. Host Pakistan will be taking on New Zealand in the opening game in Karachi which will mark the return of the 8-team tournament after eight years halt.

Bangladesh are drawn in Group A, featuring New Zealand and the two Asian giants India and Pakistan. The 2017 Semi-Finalist will be starting their campaign against India on February 20 in Dubai.

Shanto Confident In Bangladesh's Chances 

Despite winning just one bilateral series since the 2023 World Cup, Shanto is confident that Bangladesh will be at their best and come out firing in what will be the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy.

Speaking in the press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, February 12, Shanto reflected on his team's chances in the upcoming ICC mega-event.

“We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions," Shanto said.

He further shed light on the absence of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from the Champions Trophy squad and expecting the other senior players to step up.

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

Earlier in the 2023 World Cup in India, Bangladesh failed to go through to the knockout stage but secured a place in the Champions Trophy 2025 as they finished 7th in the league stage with only two wins out of the nine games. In Champions Trophy, they have featured five times in the competition in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2017.

2017 was the only time, which also happens to be the last edition of Champions Trophy, when Bangladesh surprised everyone and got through to play in the Semi-final. Hence, Shanto and his men will be hoping to match the last edition’s performance and go one step further to lift their maiden ICC title.