Srabonno Towhida has secured a distinctive place in Bangladesh’s sports-hosting scene. A doctor by profession, she has long been one of television’s most dependable presenters, equally at ease with celebrity programmes, live music shows and health segments. She has returned to the spotlight after taking on the high-profile role of hosting the recent BPL auction.
Reflecting on the experience, Srabonno said the excitement began early, as the auction was returning after nearly 12 years. She was captivated by the teams’ bidding strategies and plans for her favourite cricketers. Pleased with how the day went, she hopes to continue presenting throughout the main BPL season.
One of the most talked-about moments was Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad going unsold in the first round. Srabonno admitted that, as a fan, she felt uneasy seeing two long-time national stalwarts overlooked. The sense of relief when they were finally picked up was shared across the room.
Her analysis of the squads is, as always, measured. She avoids committing to any team in advance, preferring to support whoever performs best. Based on the current line-ups, Rajshahi Warriors and Rangpur Riders look strong to her, while the new franchise Noakhali Express also appears well balanced.
Despite this year’s debate and criticism surrounding the BPL, Srabonno feels the buzz is noticeably higher. She expects strong competition and believes organisers will be alert to avoiding controversies. “The beauty of the game should stay on the field,” she said.
Srabonno is clear-sighted about the challenges of sports presenting, noting that regular followers naturally retain a wealth of information. With years of experience behind her, she now sees cricket hosting as a profession in its own right. She is equally comfortable with football, having served as the official host for the Bangladesh–Singapore match for the BFF and plans to continue in the role.
Balancing medical practice with presenting, she laughs at comparisons people make, “They say I’m an all-rounder like Shakib Al Hasan.” On the shortage of fresh faces in presenting, she points out that although more channels now produce sports content, organisers tend to rely on experienced hosts.
Even so, she hopes space will open for newcomers who truly deserve it.
