Marufa Akter is living proof that dreams, when fuelled by determination and belief, can rise from the humblest beginnings. Today, the right-arm medium-fast bowler proudly represents the Bangladesh Women’s National Cricket Team, inspiring countless young girls across the country.
Born on January 1, 2005, in Nilphamari, Marufa grew up in Saidpur with her parents, two brothers and a sister. Her father, Ainullah Haque, a farmer, once discouraged her from playing cricket. “There was a time when I scolded her for wasting time,” he recalls. “But today, my little girl brings glory to the nation. Everyone now calls me Marufa’s father, and there’s no greater pride than that.”
Her elder brother, Al-Amin, quietly nurtured her dream. While pursuing his degree at Nilphamari Government College, he tutored students to support their families and used part of his earnings to buy cricket gear for Marufa. His selfless sacrifices laid the foundation for her journey.
In 2018, her raw talent was spotted through a BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan) talent-hunt programme, marking the start of an extraordinary journey. Even during the pandemic, she earned her first income from cricket, $412 at a training camp in Cox’s Bazar.
Her rise was swift. She represented Bangladesh at the 2023 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, taking eight wickets and soon made her senior debut in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her spell of 3 for 23 against Sri Lanka turned heads. But her defining moment came in July 2023, when a fiery 4 for 29 helped Bangladesh secure their first-ever ODI win over India, earning her the Player of the Match award. This spell also won her the ESPNcricinfo Women’s ODI Bowling Award 2023.
In the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Bangladesh won by seven wickets and 113 balls to spare against Pakistan. In the very first over, Marufa struck twice, bowling out Omaima Sohail on the fifth ball and then shattering the stumps of the in-form Sidra Ameen with the next delivery. Her fiery spell set the tone for Bangladesh’s dominant victory, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Former Nilphamari Sports Secretary Bir Muktijoddha Joynal Abedin praised her, saying, “I have no doubt she will become an extraordinary cricketer for Bangladesh. She’s the pride of Nilphamari. Her bowling action is unique, and her potential is immense.”
From the dusty fields of Nilphamari to the grand stages of international cricket, Marufa Akter’s journey is a shining reminder: no dream is too distant, no barrier too high, for those brave enough to chase it.
