Bangladesh under the captaincy of Najmul Hossain Shanto are set to be a part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. They will play their campaign opener against India on February 20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. They made it to the semi-final in the last edition of the Champions Trophy eight years back in 2017.
However, Bangladesh are still being considered as the underdogs even after their first-ever semi-final appearance in the history of the Champions Trophy. They haven’t been very good performing teams in the major ICC tournaments since they arrived in international cricket.
Here are the 3 reasons why Bangladesh are the underdog in the Champions Trophy 2025:
1. Poor record in Champions Trophy history
Since the inception of the Champions Trophy 26 years back in 1998, Bangladesh haven’t performed up to the mark in the tournament. It was only in the last edition in 2017 when they made it to the semi-final of the tournament. But before that, they failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy in the editions of 2009 and 2013.
Before that, they were eliminated from the group stage in 2002, 2004, and 2006 editions after making it to the pre-quarters in 2000. In the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1998, Bangladesh failed to qualify for the home edition. It is one of the major reasons they are the underdogs in the Champions Trophy 2025.
2. Lack of intent against big teams
Bangladesh have always struggled against the big teams in the major ICC tournaments. There have been instances in the history of the ICC tournaments when Bangladesh performed brilliantly at the start of the tournament but later failed in the big matches.
The reason behind this failure of Bangladesh is the lack of intent in their performances against the big teams. In some of the marquee matches, they collapsed due to the pressure of the game against any of the top 4 teams in the cricketing world.
3. Absence of Shakib Al Hasan
Bangladesh will be badly missing the services of their veteran all-rounder and modern-day great, Shakib Al Hasan. It will be the first-ever ICC tournament when Bangladesh will be playing without the legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan since he made his debut for the national side of Bangladesh.
Shakib’s absence will create a big void both in the batting and bowling setup of Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He would’ve been a great driving force for the Bangla tigers in the prestigious cricket quadrennial.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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