Shakib and Litton left out as Bangladesh announce Champions Trophy squad

Bangladesh unveiled their 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy on Sunday, with significant omissions grabbing the spotlight.

Shakib Al Hasan, sidelined by his ongoing bowling ban, and Litton Das, struggling for form, were both left out. Shakib's absence, compounded by Tamim Iqbal's recent retirement, has forced the selectors to build the team without two of its most experienced players.

Meanwhile, young batter Parvez Hossain Emon has been handed an opportunity, replacing Litton in the squad.

The squad was nearly finalised earlier, with only Tamim and Shakib's situations holding up the announcement. Following two rounds of discussions in Sylhet, Tamim informed the selectors two days prior that he would not be returning to international cricket. Shortly after, news arrived confirming that Shakib's bowling ban remained in effect, ruling him out as an all-round option.

Bangladesh has been drawn into the same group as India, Pakistan, and New Zealand for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The other group features Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa.

The Tigers will kick off their campaign on 20 February with a high-stakes clash against India in Dubai. Their second group-stage match in this ODI-format competition is scheduled for 24 February against New Zealand. Bangladesh will then wrap up their group-stage fixtures with a match against Pakistan on 27 February.

While the opening match against India will be played in Dubai, the remaining two games—against New Zealand and Pakistan—will take place in Rawalpindi.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Zakir Hasan Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.