Champions Trophy countdown: Bangladesh set for warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens

The countdown has begun! With only one day left, cricket fans are gearing up for the much-anticipated 9th edition of the Champions Trophy, which is often referred to as the “mini World Cup.” 

The tournament will officially kick off on Wednesday, February 19, in Karachi, Pakistan, where eight nations will compete for glory.

Bangladesh will kick off their campaign on Thursday, February 20, against India in Dubai. 

But before the main event begins, they will have the chance to play a warm-up match. 

This match will be a crucial opportunity for the players to get into their rhythm and set the tone for the upcoming competition.

The Bangladesh team, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will face Pakistan Shaheens on Monday, February 17, in a preparation match.

The match is scheduled to start at 3 PM Bangladesh time at the ICC Academy ground in Dubai.

Typically, teams participating in ICC tournaments play a warm-up match before the official tournament begins. 

These games are usually scheduled against teams that are not in the same group. 

However, several teams this year, including India, have opted out of warm-up matches. 

India completed their preparations with a series against England on home soil. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan is playing a tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand at home and will dive straight into the tournament after this series ends.

On the other hand, teams like Bangladesh and Afghanistan haven’t had the same luxury. 

Bangladesh last played in the ODI format back in December. 

But they do have the chance to play one warm-up game ahead of their Champions Trophy campaign.

Bangladesh Squad: Tanjid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jakir Ali Anik, Towhid Hridoy, Mehedi Hasan Miraz (vice-captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, and Taskin Ahmed.

Pakistan Shaheens Squad: Muhammad Haris (captain), Amir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Ali Raja, Ajan Awais, Mohammad Musa, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mubasir Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahebzada Farhan, Sufiyan Mukim, and Usama Mir.