There are no expected changes to Bangladesh’s previously announced squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. However, two additional pacers will accompany the team to Dubai. Syed Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud are traveling with the squad to assist in training before the tournament begins in the UAE. Both will return home before the tournament officially starts. Nazmul Abedin, the head of BCB’s cricket operations, confirmed this information. He stated that the national team would take two extra pacers—Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed—primarily to support the preparation phase. They will stay with the team during practice sessions in the UAE but will return before Bangladesh’s first match.
Bangladesh will depart for the tournament on Thursday night, with Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed accompanying the squad. They have already joined the ongoing training camp in the country.
Both bowlers performed impressively in the recently concluded BPL. Hasan Mahmud took 14 wickets in 13 matches for Khulna Tigers, maintaining an economy rate of just 7.5 runs per over despite regularly bowling in the death overs. Meanwhile, Khaled Ahmed, playing for Chittagong Kings, finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 20 wickets in 14 matches.
Their presence in training has been beneficial for the Tigers’ batters. Bangladesh will play on the opening day of this year’s Champions Trophy, facing India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 20. Following that, the team will travel to Rawalpindi to take on New Zealand and hosts Pakistan.
Bangladesh has historically struggled in ICC global events, including the Champions Trophy. However, head coach Phil Simmons is determined to lead the team to a strong performance this time around.
