The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November. Wicketkeeper-batter Rubia Haidar Jhilik, off-spinner Nishita Akter Nishi and top-order batter Sumaiya Akter have been included in the final squad, replacing Dilara Akter Dola, Jannatul Ferdous Sumana and Ishma Tanzim.
Rubia, who has previously represented Bangladesh in T20 internationals but has yet to play an ODI, earns her first World Cup call-up after a period of consistent development with both the bat and behind the stumps. Nishita, the youngest member of the squad at 17, made her international debut during Bangladesh’s ODI series against Pakistan in 2023. Sumaiya, a former Bangladesh under-19 captain, played her only ODI against Australia last year. A technically accomplished top-order batter, she enjoyed a strong domestic season and continued her form with consistent performances for the Bangladesh Emerging Team.
In a media release from the BCB, Chief Selector of the Women’s Wing, Sazzad Ahmed Mansur, said: “Rubia has earned her place through sheer hard work. Her development over the last six months has been outstanding. We see her as a valuable option both as a reserve keeper and a backup opener.
“Nishita is still young, but she bowls with great maturity. She is consistent, calm under pressure and her ability to contain left-handers gave her an edge. We believe this experience will serve her well and add depth to our spin attack.
“Sumaiya has been knocking on the door for some time. She brings the ability to occupy the crease and accelerate when needed. With her skill set and fielding standards, she gives us an all-round option in the top order.”
The full Bangladesh squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is: Nigar Sultana Joty (captain), Nahida Akter (vice-captain), Farzana Haque, Rubia Haidar Jhilik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi and Sumaiya Akter.
Ahead of the tournament, Bangladesh will play two warm-up matches in Colombo, first against South Africa at the Colombo Cricket Club on 25 September and then against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on 27 September. The group stage fixtures begin with Pakistan on 2 October in Colombo, followed by England on 7 October and New Zealand on 10 October, both in Guwahati. South Africa visit on 13 October and Australia on 16 October in Visakhapatnam, while Sri Lanka play on 20 October and India on 26 October in Navi Mumbai. The knockout stage will see the first semifinal on 29 October, either in Guwahati or Colombo, the second semifinal on 30 October in Navi Mumbai, and the final scheduled for 2 November, in either Navi Mumbai or Colombo.