Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes his team can clinch the ICC Champions Trophy title despite their recent struggles in ODIs.

Bangladesh have not played an ODI match since December 12, a 3-0 loss to West Indies at Werner Park.

Since 2023, Bangladesh have lost 24 of their 41 matches in the format, including a series defeat to Afghanistan shortly before their whitewash at the hands of the Windies.

Those two series were the only ones played in the latter half of last year, but despite their lack of preparation, Shanto is confident Bangladesh can challenge for the trophy.

"We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions," Shanto said.

"All eight teams deserve to be champions in this tournament. They are all quality teams. I believe our team has the ability.

"No one will feel extra pressure. Everyone genuinely wants [to become champions] and believes in their capabilities. We don't know what Allah has written in our fate. We are working hard and doing our best. I believe we can achieve our goal."

Official photo of the Bangladesh Team for the #ChampionsTrophy 2025 at SBNCS, Mirpur #BCB #Cricket #Bangladesh #BDCricket pic.twitter.com/tjLJaKXfrd

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) February 12, 2025

Bangladesh will be missing big names, like Litton Das, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, who is currently suspended from bowling due to an illegal action.

"I am very happy and confident with the 15 players in the squad," he added. "Anyone who plays has the ability to win a match single-handedly.

"Of course, we will miss him [Shakib], but I don't know why this question is being asked. Everyone already knows the answer, and many players have said it before.

"It would have been great if he were here. This question has been answered many times. I don't think it's relevant to talk about this before a tournament."

Bangladesh will begin their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against India at the Dubai International Stadium on February 20.

Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad

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