With Tamim Iqbal retiring from international cricket and Shakib Al Hasan yet to reverse his bowling ban, Bangladesh are preparing for the fast-approaching ICC Champions Trophy without two of their biggest stars.

For the mega event -- scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 -- the selectors will announce a 15-member squad today.

Speculation about the inclusion of Tamim and Shakib had been building in recent weeks, especially after Bangladesh Cricket Board president Faruque Ahmed expressed interest in having Shakib in the team. Selectors also met Tamim in Sylhet to discuss a possible return.

The fact remains that neither has played an ODI since late 2023, and while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was open to their inclusion, Tamim's retirement announcement has now shifted focus towards Shakib. However, as it appears, Shakib's recent struggles as a batter, compounded by his failed bowling action test in Chennai, have all but ruled out his return for the event.

With the question of the duo's selection seemingly resolved, the selectors can now focus on forming a younger squad, making some last-minute adjustments to a few positions. Most of the players from the recent tour to the West Indies are likely to be retained.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, and Mustafizur Rahman are all set to return after missing the West Indies tour for various reasons. However, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, and Shoriful Islam might lose their places in the Champions Trophy squad.

The selectors will also monitor Soumya Sarkar's recovery from a finger injury before deciding whether to include him as one of three opening options alongside Liton Das and Tanzid Hasan. In the spin department, left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed is a likely choice in Shakib's absence, while spin-bowling all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain remain automatic choices.

Off-spinner Mahedi Hasan, who has been absent from the ODI setup since the 2023 World Cup, could make a surprise return due to his recent T20 performances.

As Bangladesh are set to play their Group A matches in Dubai and Rawalpindi, they are likely to opt for a four-man pace attack featuring Mustafizur, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Jaker Ali Anik and Mahmudullah Riyad as finishers is expected.