Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, has set a clear objective for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, asserting that his team is determined to secure victory in the tournament. Bangladesh will commence their campaign with a match against India in Dubai.

Since the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup, Bangladesh has participated in five series, managing to win only one, which was against Sri Lanka at home in March of the previous year. "We are heading to the Champions Trophy with the aim of becoming champions," Shanto declared. Since 2023, the team has faced challenges, losing 24 out of 41 matches, including series defeats to Afghanistan and the West Indies. Nevertheless, Shanto emphasized that every team in the Champions Trophy has a legitimate opportunity to claim the title.

"All eight teams are deserving of the championship in this tournament. They are all formidable opponents. I have faith in our team's capabilities. There will be no undue pressure on anyone. Each player genuinely aspires to be champions and believes in their own potential. The future is uncertain, and only Allah knows what is destined for us. We are committed to working diligently and giving our best effort. I am confident that we can reach our objective."

Fans online don't seem to share the same confidence as Shanto in the team:

Shaant-ho jara shanto!!!#ChampionsTrophy2025 #IndianCricketTeam https://t.co/jE5Aw22wvn

— Piyush Ghanmode (@PiyushGhanmode) February 13, 2025

Don't lie to me shanto please pic.twitter.com/4SoxVtQbE3

— Mishti (@MishtiAmi) February 13, 2025

Joke of the decade ??????

— sanskari sanjana devi (@SanskariD86812) February 13, 2025

They always confident before any tournament but y’all know the results.

— Thebloodline ???? (@Biryanibeast1) February 13, 2025

Nice,a player should be confident you know pic.twitter.com/6ozlrr5STP

— Awais (@adjudicator597) February 13, 2025

Bangladesh's scant preparation before the Champions Trophy

Bangladesh has not participated in an ODI since their last match in a three-game series against the West Indies during the first half of December. The team suffered a clean sweep, losing the series 3-0, with the West Indies securing victories by five wickets in the first match, seven wickets in the second, and four wickets in the third.

Shanto has been performing well and is returning from an injury, having not played any international cricket since November. Additionally, Bangladesh will be without their key all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is currently suspended from bowling in professional cricket due to an illegal action and has recently failed a second independent assessment regarding his bowling technique.

"Naturally, we will feel his absence, but I am uncertain why this question continues to arise. The answer is well-known, and many players have addressed it previously. We will certainly miss Shakib bhai. It would have been wonderful to have him here. This matter has been discussed numerous times, and I believe it is not pertinent to dwell on it before a tournament," Shanto remarked.

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