Bangladesh Players Begin Champions Trophy Preparations After BPL, Coach Phil Simmons Optimistic About Readiness

After completing the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League), Bangladesh's cricketers are now gearing up for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The preparation camp has already completed two days under the guidance of the team's head coach, Phil Simmons. The players, having shaken off the fatigue of BPL, are approaching the new challenge with renewed energy.

With only a few days remaining before the start of the Champions Trophy, there is a focus on transitioning from the T20 format to the ODI format, especially considering that the players have been busy with T20s for the last month and a half. When asked if the short preparation time would be sufficient or if there would be any gaps, Coach Phil Simmons responded:

"Yes, I agree with you that we haven’t had the ideal preparation. However, they were still in cricket, even if it was T20 cricket. That means their skills are sharp. In the next 6-7 days, we need to mentally prepare. They have the skills, they have played well, now it's about entering the mindset for the ODI format."

Despite the hectic schedule due to BPL, Simmons hasn’t noticed any fatigue among the players. "It's been two days in camp, and I haven’t seen anyone who looks tired from the BPL. Players need time. Long hours of batting and bowling in the right areas are crucial in 50-over cricket."

As Bangladesh prepares for their opening match against India in Dubai, the focus is on conditions in Dubai. Simmons shared, "Our initial preparation is centered around Dubai. If we get the right frame of mind and start well in Dubai, it will be good. The conditions there are quite similar to Bangladesh."

Nazmul Hossain Shanto will lead Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. Although he didn’t get much playing time for Fortune Barishal in BPL, Simmons remains positive about Shanto’s readiness. He said:

"Whether he played or not, he has worked hard every day. Everyone needs to have a strong mental attitude. He hasn’t had many 50-over matches, it’s true. But he has prepared well and will continue to do so."