Champions Trophy 2025: SWOT analysis of Bangladesh cricket team

The Bangladesh cricket team qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 on the back of their eighth-place finish in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Incidentally, it was Bangladesh who hosted the first-ever Champions Trophy (ICC Knock-outs) in 1998. Despite being the hosts, Bangladesh couldn’t play the tournament. 

In 2000, Bangladesh were knocked out in the pre-quarters, while exiting the group stages in the next three editions. After missing out on qualifications in 2009 and 2013, Bangladesh made a strong return to the fold in 2017. They went on to qualify for the semi-finals, where they lost to India. 

The upcoming tournament will be a huge test for the Bangladeshis, who are without their most experienced stars. Shakib Al Hasan wasn’t considered while Tamim Iqbal has decided to stay firm on his retirement decision. Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim are the two experienced members of the team on whom the onus of taking the team to the semis falls.

Also read: Champions Trophy 2025: SWOT analysis of England Cricket Team 

Here is Bangladesh’s SWOT Analysis for Champions Trophy 2025 

Strengths—Strong bowling department 

Bangladesh has a great mix of great spinners and exciting fast bowling prospects. Mustafizur Rahman will spearhead the pace bowling unit along with Taskin Ahmed. One cannot forget Nahid Rana, the young pacer who has been bowling at close to 150 KPH and making batters uncomfortable with his speeds. The likes of Nasum Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have also done well in recent matches. As far as the spin department goes, they have Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The two can bowl with good control and also pick wickets at regular intervals. 

Weakness—Absence of Litton Das at the top of the order

One of the biggest weaknesses Bangladesh possesses is their batting at the top of the order. The Tigers don’t have a settled opening combination and have seen a few pairs being tried out. While Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto have done well, they would be missing Litton Das at the top of the order. Litton Das has been one of the best Bangladeshi batters in the ODI format. He has the ability to take the bowlers on, play a long innings and create a huge impact. 

Opportunities—Chance for senior members to bow out in good fashion 

Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah could be playing their last ICC tournament as the duo are in their final legs in international cricket. The Tigers are no longer the minnows they once were, as they have become a competent international side. Both Rahim and Mahmudullah will be key players in the middle order and hope to give Bangladesh the much-needed impetus at crucial junctures. The Bangladeshis are yet to win a major top-flight ICC title and the Champions Trophy 2025 might just be the title for them to target. 

Threats—Lack of ODI cricket experience in current squad 

Barring six members of the current squad, none of the Bangladeshi players have played many ODI matches. Skipper Najmul Shanto himself has played just 47 games, which could be a huge detriment for the Tigers. This could come to haunt the 2017 semi-finalists considering they are facing off against some of the most seasoned campaigners in the tournament.