Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud: Crucial Preparations for Bangladesh's Champions Trophy Campaign

Although Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud have not been included in Bangladesh's official 15-man squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, both will play a significant role in the team's preparations for the tournament.

Despite not being in the final squad, Khaled Ahmed (who has played 15 Tests and 2 ODIs) and Hasan Mahmud will travel to Dubai with the team as part of the preparation camp. However, both will return to Bangladesh before the tournament begins. Their involvement is mainly to help the squad during training and preparations, but they won't be playing in the tournament itself.

Khaled’s inclusion in the preparation camp is largely due to his strong form in the BPL 2025. Playing for Chattogram Challengers (formerly Chittagong Kings), he impressed by taking 20 wickets in 14 matches, making him the second-highest wicket-taker after Taskin Ahmed. His performance in the BPL earned him a spot in the preparatory camp alongside Hasan Mahmud, who will also contribute to the team's buildup.

For the actual Champions Trophy, Bangladesh’s pace attack will consist of Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mustafizur Rahman. Though Khaled and Hasan will not feature in the playing XI, their presence in the preparatory phase is valuable for providing competition and helping the main squad gear up for the challenges ahead.

Bangladesh is placed in Group B alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The team's campaign will kick off in Dubai on 20th February against India. After this, they will travel to Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to face New Zealand on 24th February, followed by a match against Pakistan three days later.

This preparation period is crucial for Bangladesh as they aim to perform well in the tournament, despite the absence of key players like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.