Against the backdrop of the above, let us try to preview the prospect of Bangladesh in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in two phases in India in October. Bangladesh will have to play against the West Indies, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in the preliminaries to win a place in the elite group of six .On paper, cricket critics may rule out the probability of Bangladesh finishing at least second among the four but who knows? On the sub-continental wicket Bangladesh may spring a surprise or two to stun the world cricket and seal the critics who underestimate them and are desperate to decimate their credentials.

Its true that Bangladesh in the recent series against Zimbabwe failed to impress but with a little bit of luck going their way the result could be different. Without taking anything away from the impressive showing of the young Zimbabwean side, it can be safely said Bangladesh have more than even chance against them in the Champions Trophy. Young Zimbabweans will struggle on the unknown Indian wicket. Then Bangladesh will have to beat either West Indies or Sri Lanka. Although cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty, yet in the present form Sri Lanka are not only the hot favourites to win the minnows group but also may proceed to win the trophy. So the chances are not very bright against them. However, that does not mean that the Tigers cannot roar and cause an upset. However, Bangladesh must try their best against the West Indies, an unpredictable side. If we bowl and field well we have more than even chance against the Caribbeans which will earn us a gate pass to the main phase. That will be an achievement.

Bangladesh are yet to announce the squad but there may not be big surprises other than inclusion of young Mehrab Hossain to pair with Shahriar Nafees, the newly chosen vice captain. It all depends whether Habibul Bashar recovers and is match fit, Mehrab after his very impressive performance in Pakistan should get preference over Rajin Saleh. Saleh should be at number three as he is more reliable and consistent for long innings than the flamboyant Aftab who should perform better at number five after Ashraful at number four. If Bashar is fit to play Mehrab cannot find the spot and Rajin may open with Habibul coming at three. Bangladesh have the option to play Farhad Reza or Saquibul at no six. Farhad played with maturity and flair in the recent tour and has better all round utility. Khaled Mashud, Rafique and Mashrafee may be used for rearguard or long handle depending on the situation. Bangladesh may opt to play with three seamers against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe . In that case an ideal combination would be Mashrafee, Shahadat Hossain and Syed Russel. Farhad Reza and Rafique will fill the quota of bowling. If required Rajin and Aftab or even Ashraful can chip in. But against the West Indies Bangladesh should include Razzak to partner Rafique and go with Mashrafee and Syed Russel for sharing the new ball. Bangladesh have to sharpen the fielding and catching a great deal to fancy their chances. If the team plays to its potential we find no reason why the Tigers should not proceed to the final phase. Chances will come our way and we have to grab them professionally. Impressive performance in the tournament will enhance our reputation and will also disprove the notion that our successes were flukes.