Growing dissatisfaction within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over the women’s team’s recent results, its coaching structure and a lack of accountability is set to trigger a major overhaul, with the board preparing changes across coaching, captaincy, fitness and the wider support system.
The BCB’s frustration has intensified following Bangladesh’s disappointing campaigns in the Asia Cup and Asian Games, where they suffered successive semi-final defeats to India. Bangladesh lost the Asia Cup semi-final by 40 runs before going down by 114 runs against the same opponents in the Asian Games semi-final while chasing 196.
But the concern within the board extends beyond the two results, with a BCB director telling TIMES that there is growing discomfort over a structure that, in the board’s view, has remained largely unchanged for years.
The director also stressed that greater accountability will be expected from both players and support staff as part of the planned changes.
“We will be very strict when it comes to accountability. We will provide you with every facility you need, but in return, you must be accountable to us. You will have to answer for your performance and responsibilities,” the director said on condition of anonymity.
“Everything is going to change. The coaching setup, starting with the head coach, the entire coaching staff, the captaincy, everything,” he said.
The director said the board believes the women’s team need to move away from a system that has failed to keep pace with developments elsewhere.
“This cannot continue like this. How can we expect to move forward when things are still the same as they were 10 years ago? In fact, our standards are going down,” he said.
Speaking about the need for a broader overhaul, the director said the women’s team must keep pace with the progress being made elsewhere.
“If we stay where we are while others are moving forward, we will inevitably fall behind. Others are improving, and if we remain stagnant, we are effectively going backwards. We cannot afford to have no change. There will be major changes, Inshallah. The plan includes changes to fitness and several other areas”, he said.
Nigar Sultana Joty has already stepped down as T20I captain following the Asian Games, with vice-captain Nahida Akter and all-rounder Sobhana Mostary emerging as the leading candidates to succeed her.
The coaching structure is also set for a revamp, with the BCB women’s wing waiting for David Hemp to join before finalising the new setup. Hemp is expected to replace Sarwar Imran as head coach ahead of Bangladesh’s three-match ODI series against Australia.
Hemp is also expected to be involved in determining the roles within the coaching staff once he arrives.
Nasiruddin Faruque Shojib is currently the batting coach, while Alamgir Kabir oversees the bowling department. Their positions, along with other support roles, could be reviewed as part of the restructuring.
