Sathira Jakir Jessy, a former off-spinner of the Bangladesh women’s national cricket team, did not have a long international playing career, featuring in just three officially recognized ODIs and T20Is. She did, however, represent Bangladesh in several unofficial ODIs and T20s, including the Asian Games and bilateral series. But while her playing days didn’t bring international glory, Jessy holds a unique distinction that no one can take away, she is the first-ever female umpire from Bangladesh to officiate in international cricket.
Jessy couldn’t go far wearing the national team jersey, missing out on tournaments like the World Cup or even the Asia Cup. But that long-cherished World Cup dream is now coming true in a different way. She is set to become the first Bangladeshi female umpire at a Women’s ODI World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from September 30. While Nigar Sultana Joty and her team will be battling it out on the field, Jessy will be officiating from behind the stumps. Remarkably, just back in 2022, she was still umpiring in third-division domestic matches.
Before Jessy, Sharafuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat had become the first Bangladeshi umpire to officiate in a men’s ODI World Cup. Now Jessy follows in his footsteps, breaking barriers in the women’s game.
It wasn’t easy getting Jessy on the phone after the news broke, she was busy driving, but she warmly acknowledged the congratulations she received.
A Different Kind of Cricket Journey
Jessy’s entry into cricket wasn’t straightforward. She initially enrolled at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) as a shooter, as there was no women’s cricket program at the time. When the Bangladesh women’s national cricket team was formed in 2007, Jessy shifted her focus to cricket.
Her early cricketing days were marked by limitations, both structural and societal. Playing cricket as a woman wasn’t widely accepted, and Jessy, like many of her teammates, faced criticism and skepticism. Despite the fragile infrastructure and lack of support, she persisted.
Though her international career didn’t take off, she played domestic List A and T20 matches for the Rangpur Division for a long time. After getting married in 2012, she was no longer selected for the national team, a situation she attributes, at least in part, to the national coaching setup at the time. Still, she didn’t give up. Jessy returned to the field just three months after giving birth, continuing her devotion to the game.
Building a New Career in Umpiring
Even during her playing days, Jessy completed umpiring courses. However, BCB had little vision for female umpires back then, limiting her early progress. She stayed close to cricket through TV commentary, hosting, and analysis shows, even earning a Level 2 coaching certificate.
Her real breakthrough came when she started umpiring in third-division men’s matches in 2022. From there, she quickly rose through the ranks, officiating in men’s Dhaka League matches, women’s series against Ireland in 2024, and the 2023 Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, which marked a turning point in her umpiring career. She went on to stand in women’s age-level Asia Cups, the Women’s T20 World Cup, and recently in India’s Legends League Cricket.
But her most significant achievement came in the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup, where she gained recognition for her confident and composed umpiring.
Now, Jessy is poised to step onto the biggest stage of women’s cricket, the World Cup.
Paving the Way for Others
Following in Jessy’s footsteps, several other Bangladeshi women have entered the umpiring profession. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is providing strong support, including central contracts, match fees, and training opportunities. Jessy is now part of the ICC’s International Umpire Panel, alongside Champa Chakma, Rokeya Sultana, and Dolly Rani Sarkar. Cricket experts believe this list will only continue to grow.
Jessy’s journey, from being denied opportunities as a player to making history as an umpire, stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and determination in Bangladeshi women’s cricket.