ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Najmul Hossain Shanto disrespects Shakib Al Hasan with brutal response to reporter
Published - 19 Feb 2025, 05:27 PM | Updated - 19 Feb 2025, 11:34 PM
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opened up about the absence of veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from the Champions Trophy squad. Shanto confidently stated that the team is well-equipped to perform without Shakib and is focused on delivering strong performances in the tournament.
Shakib Al Hasan was left out of the Champions Trophy squad after failing to clear tests on his suspect bowling action. It is the first time since his debut that Bangladesh will compete in an ICC event without him. After being suspended from bowling, the selectors decided against including him as a batter.
Shakib Al Hasan's Absence Is Not a Factor - Najmul Hossain Shanto
Ahead of Bangladesh’s opening match against India on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a reporter asked captain Najmul Hossain Shanto whether Shakib Al Hasan’s absence would impact the team. Shanto dismissed the concern with a brief one-word reply: “No.”
Shanto stated that Bangladesh has the best fast-bowling attack in the country's history. He also noted that the pitches in Dubai are not as high-scoring as in Pakistan and expressed confidence in receiving strong crowd support.
"Shakib's absence is not a factor. Last couple of years we have got some good fast bowlers. This is the best Bangladesh seam attack. We need to adjust here. Here the pitches are not as high-scoring as in Pakistan. We know we will get a lot of crowd support here," Najmul Shanto said in the pre-match press conference (via RevSportz).
Shakib Al Hasan Plays Only ODIs at the International Level
Shakib Al Hasan, who now plays only ODIs at the international level, captained Bangladesh in the 2023 World Cup but had to withdraw midway due to a finger injury. He was not included in the Champions Trophy squad. In his absence, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah will be key in balancing the team.
The bowling unit is led by pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, alongside young talents Nahid Rana and Tanzid Hasan. They will begin their tournament against India on February 20. Bangladesh will take on New Zealand and Pakistan in their next two games on February 24 and 27, respectively.
We Have to Play Well in All Departments - Najmul Hossain Shanto
Shanto emphasized that they need to perform well in all aspects—batting, bowling, and fielding. He highlighted their strong performances in ODIs over the past few years. Shanto remained optimistic about the team's preparation and hoped for a positive outcome in their upcoming match.
“I think we have to play well in all departments - batting, bowling, fielding - because I think the way we played the last few years in this format, I think we have a good side and, as you mentioned, the conditions are quite similar. I'm really confident that we will prepare ourselves well. I hope for the best for tomorrow's match,” Najmul Hossain Shanto added.
