The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has started on Wednesdaycrazywin, February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opener at Karachi. (IND Vs BAN Key Battles | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

The Champions Trophy features eight teams, divided into two groups of four each. A total of 12 group-stage matches will be played, followed by the semifinals and final.

Patnaik, whose earlier government had been a key promoter of Indian hockey and been sponsoring the national men's and women's teams since 2018, hoped for a top podium finish in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

BY Outlook Sports Desk

Group A consists of hosts Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand. The Bangla Tigers have raised eyebrows with their appearance at the marquee tournament.

Bangladesh topped the likes of Sri Lanka and 2004 Champions Trophy winners West Indies, who did not finish in the top seven at the 2023 ODI World Cup.

At the 2023 ODI World Cup, England merely scrapped through with six points but Bangladesh upstaged Sri Lanka despite having similar points (6) after nine games. At the end, Bangladesh's better run-rate (−1.087) helped them finish above Sri Lanka (−1.419) and qualify for the tournament.

ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table

The top-four qualified for the tournament, whereas teams finishing 5th to 8th, earned a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Najmul Hossain Shanto is leading Bangladesh at the ICC Champions Trophy as the 2017 semi-finalists start off their campaign against India in Dubai on February 20, Thursday.

BY Photo Webdesk

Speaking about their record in the tournament, the Bangla Tigers have played 12 matches from 1998 to 2017 . They have won mere two games and lost 9,ubet95 with one being no result.

Matched played: 12

Matches won: 2

Matches lost: 9

No Result - 1

Their best finish in the Champions Trophy was in the 2017 edition, where they lost in the semi-final to India by 9 wickets.

BANGLADESH SQUAD: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Mirazcrazywin, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.