Bangladesh Champions Trophy squad to be named Thursday

Before the eight-team tournament however, Bangladesh will take part in a tri-nation series alongside host Ireland and New Zealand, scheduled to begin May 12. It was learned that the Champions Trophy squad will also contest the tri-series. Mashrafe bin Mortaza and his troop will undergo a training camp, spanning 10 days, in Sussex. According to Bangladesh team manager Khaled Mahmud, chances are less that a new name will be selected in the squad. Mahmud said they are emphasising on experience, bearing in mind the English conditions. “Our ODI team is pretty much in shape. I think there is no need to make changes in the squad. We already have the best possible combination, thanks to our success in the 50-over format. There are less chances of picking new faces in the side at the moment. The tournament will take place in England where we are looking for experience, rather than a new player,” Mahmud told the media in Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday. The last time Bangladesh took part in the Champions Trophy was back in 2006. And following an 11-year gap, the Tigers will face the home side in their opening game at The Oval. “I have idea regarding the Oval condition. It is expected to be a flat pitch. The cricketers are busy playing the Dhaka [Premier Division Cricket] league and I think it will help them as the pitch is pretty similar here. I think their confidence will be boosted. At the same time, our bowlers will have to adapt and learn how to bowl in such pitch and condition. They will also have to learn how to bowl in the slog overs, along with yorkers and slowers,” said Mahmud. Earlier, national chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu informed that they are looking for an experienced batsman in the side. According to sources, all-rounder Nasir Hossain has a bright chance of making it to the squad. He played his last ODI back in October, 2016. The 25-year old has been in terrific form recently, scoring a double hundred in the Bangladesh Cricket League. He also struck centuries in the ACC Emerging Nations Cup and in the Dhaka league for Gazi Group Cricketers. It was also learned that the team management is likely to opt for five seamers in the squad.