Tamim Iqbal, Shakib al Hasan to play together again in ICC Champions Trophy!! Bangladesh Cricket's drastic update

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is awaiting the availability of key players Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCB will finalize their team once the status of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan for the tournament, set to be played in February-March, is confirmed.

Tamim Iqbal, who last played international cricket in September 2023, is in talks with the chief selector regarding his availability. The left-hander is currently leading Fortune Barishal in the Bangladesh Premier League. Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan's participation is uncertain after he was reported for a suspect action.

We Have Spoken to Tamim Iqbal on Behalf of the Board - Bangladesh Chief Selector

Bangladesh chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain said that the board has started discussions with Tamim Iqbal regarding his availability for the Champions Trophy. Tamim has been given time to make his decision. Hossain stated that the board is prepared and has completed its groundwork.

"We held a primary discussion with Tamim. We have to announce the Champions Trophy team by January 12, so we have a bit of time. We want to let him take time, not be in a hurry to decide and we have spoken to him on behalf of the board. The player has to come to a decision after speaking to his family, friends and well-wishers. He is also in the middle of a tournament so he will need a bit of time."

"We have four days left [before announcing the squad]. We have done our homework, so we know how things will shape up and we pay respect to a cricketer like Tamim Iqbal, so he can take his time before informing us. I think it's fair enough. The board is fine with this, so everyone now has to be patient," Hossain said.

Tamim Iqbal Announced His Retirement from International Cricket in July 2023

Tamim Iqbal initially announced his retirement from international cricket in July 2023 during the Afghanistan ODIs but reversed his decision after discussions with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 35-year-old last represented Bangladesh in the ODI series against New Zealand in September 2023.

Tamim was excluded from the ODI World Cup 2023 due to a fallout with the board and then-captain Shakib Al Hasan. Later, Tamim opted out of Bangladesh's central contract list.

Shakib Al Hasan Awaits Result of Second Bowling Action Test

Shakib Al Hasan is awaiting the result of a second bowling action test conducted in Chennai after a failed assessment at Loughborough University, UK, which led to his suspension from bowling in domestic and international cricket.

However, Shakib is being considered for selection in the Champions Trophy squad, with both BCB President Faruque Ahmed and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto backing his inclusion. The 37-year-old last played for Bangladesh in a Test series against India, which they lost 2-0.

Gazi Ashraf Hossain said that it was very shocking to hear that Shakib couldn't pass the bowling action test at Loughborough. He mentioned that he would find out whether Shakib had tested himself again, but he was confident they would have clarity on the matter within a couple of days.

"It was very shocking to hear that Shakib couldn't pass the bowling action test [at Loughborough]," Gazi said. "I will have to find out whether he has tested himself again. We have to wait for this information. The board hasn't instructed us fully on Shakib. I think every minute counts and I am sure we can clarify this in a day or two."

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