Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has made his team’s ambitions for the ICC Champions Trophy crystal clear.
When asked, “What is your goal in the Champions Trophy?” Shanto responded with a small smile before confidently stating his aim—lifting the trophy. Leading a team that has never played in a global final, the skipper firmly expressed his desire to hold the championship aloft this time.
Bangladesh will embark on their journey to the UAE on Thursday night. Ahead of their departure, the team participated in an official photoshoot and a pre-tour press conference on Wednesday. When questioned about the team’s objective, Shanto gave a straightforward reply: “We are going there to become champions.”
Bangladesh’s best achievement in an ICC tournament so far has been reaching the semi-finals. In the last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017, they made it to the final four, surpassing New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, they have reached the Asia Cup final multiple times.
Declaring the goal of winning a title despite never having won one before is a bold statement—one that comes with the risk of heightened expectations. However, Shanto brushed aside any concerns, asserting that the belief and ability to win are present within the squad.
“I don’t think this adds extra pressure. The eight teams in the tournament all deserve to be champions; they are all quality sides. I believe our team has the ability to win the title,” Shanto said.
“I don’t think anyone in the squad will feel any extra burden. Everyone genuinely wants this, believes in it, and knows we have the capability. We don’t know what fate has in store for us, but we are working hard with honesty and dedication. Every player believes we can achieve our goal.”
Shanto wasn’t part of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s squad that reached the semi-finals in 2017, but that success remains a source of inspiration for the current team.
“The last Champions Trophy we played holds great memories. Reaching the semi-finals was a big moment for us. That certainly serves as extra motivation. Beyond that, we have the expectations of our country, our families, and ourselves. Considering our preparations, I firmly believe we have what it takes to go far.”
Bangladesh will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against India on February 20 in Dubai. They will then face New Zealand on February 24 and hosts Pakistan on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
