The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the Women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
The squad features three new faces — wicketkeeper-batter Rubaiya Haider Jhilk, off-spinner Nishita Akter Nishi, and top-order batter Sumaiya Akter. They replace Dilara Akter, Jannatul Ferdous Sumona, and Ishma Tanzim.
Rubaiya, who has previously played in T20 internationals but has yet to make her ODI debut, was selected based on her steady improvement, which the selectors described as impressive.
Seventeen-year-old Nishita is the youngest member of the squad. Her control and composure against left-handed batters reportedly impressed the selectors. Former Bangladesh Under-19 captain Sumaiya earned her call-up following a string of strong performances in the recent domestic season.
However, the announcement has sparked criticism from one of the country’s most experienced cricketers. Former captain and all-rounder Rumana Ahmed expressed frustration in a Facebook post. While congratulating the newcomers, she questioned the wisdom of including players without prior international experience in a World Cup squad.
“Playing in the World Cup without any international experience is truly extraordinary. Extraordinary plan indeed,” she wrote, in a post widely read as a pointed rebuke of the selection panel.
Rumana has long been regarded as a central figure in Bangladesh women’s cricket. Earlier this year, she announced she was stepping away from the national team indefinitely, a move many attributed to her dissatisfaction with the selectors. Her latest remarks on social media have once again underscored that tension.
The announced Bangladesh squad comprises Nigar Sultana Joty (captain), Nahida Akter (vice-captain), Fargana Hoque, Rubaiya Haider Jhilk, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Sworna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trishna, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, and Sumaiya Akter.
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