Is Bangladesh Ready for the ODI Champions Trophy?
When it comes to cricket in Bangladesh, the ODI format holds a special place in the hearts of fans. It’s the version where the country’s cricketing achievements are often measured, and it’s the format that opens the first chapter of Bangladesh’s cricketing story. However, despite its popularity, adapting to the ODI format has not always been easy for Bangladeshi cricketers. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the big question is: How prepared is Bangladesh for the ODI challenge?
Only the Bangladesh team itself can truly answer how ready they are, but one thing is clear: they are heading into the tournament without any ODI matches under their belt. Interestingly, out of the eight teams participating in the Champions Trophy, only Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not playing any ODIs before the event. The other six teams are actively engaging in ODI cricket to fine-tune their preparations.
For instance, India and England are set to begin a three-match ODI series tomorrow. Australia, despite being in the middle of a Test series in Sri Lanka, will play two ODIs against the hosts. Even though Sri Lanka didn’t qualify for the Champions Trophy, they are still providing valuable practice to Australia. Meanwhile, Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa—three teams competing in the Champions Trophy—are participating in a tri-nation ODI series to sharpen their skills.
In contrast, Bangladesh’s cricketers are currently occupied with the T20 format. The recent Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) was expected to help players prepare, but its effectiveness remains questionable. Several national team players, including captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Zaker Ali, struggled to find their best form during the tournament. Shanto, in particular, was controversially left out of the Barisal XI during a crucial phase of the BPL, raising concerns about his readiness for the Champions Trophy.
Bangladesh’s recent ODI record also paints a worrying picture. In their last ODI series in December, they suffered a 3-0 whitewash against the West Indies on their own soil. Despite posting a competitive total of 321 runs in the final match, they couldn’t secure a win. Before that, in November, Bangladesh lost an ODI series to Afghanistan, falling 2-1 in a three-match contest. These results highlight the team’s struggles in the ODI format.
Adding to the challenge is the fact that ODI cricket has become relatively rare in recent years. In 2023, only 104 ODIs were played globally, the lowest number since 2016 (excluding the COVID-affected years of 2020 and 2021). This scarcity raises questions about how well teams, including Bangladesh, can adapt to the format, especially when they aren’t playing enough matches to build momentum.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, Bangladesh faces a dual challenge: overcoming their recent ODI struggles and adapting to a format that has taken a backseat in the cricketing calendar. While the team’s passion and talent are undeniable, their lack of match practice and recent form raise concerns. Only time will tell if Bangladesh can rise to the occasion and make their mark in the tournament that holds such a special place in their cricketing journey.