Bangladesh women’s cricket is heading for a major review after the Asian Games, with the leadership group and coaching set-up under scrutiny following the team’s Asia Cup exit.
A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) source told TIMES of Bangladesh that the board will review the coaching staff and captaincy after the Asian Games. The team currently has an all-local coaching staff, but the BCB is also exploring foreign options, with candidates from England and South Africa under consideration.
Bangladesh were knocked out of the Asia Cup after losing their semi-final against India by 40 runs. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty has also come under pressure following a modest run of form, scoring 192 runs in her last 10 innings, with scores of 9, 0, 27, 36, 32, 32*, 10, 4, 23 and 19.
Later BCB women’s wing chairman Rafiqul Islam Babu said on Saturday that the board is monitoring the situation but will wait until after the Asian Games before making any decision.
“We are observing the situation. The Asia Cup just ended and they will go directly to the Asian Games. The team and captain were selected well in advance, so there is nothing to change at this moment. We hope they perform well at the Asian Games and correct the mistakes they made,” Babu told TIMES.
With the Asian Games squad already finalised, any changes to the leadership or coaching set-up will have to wait until after the tournament.
“We will see how they perform at the Asian Games and then decide what needs to be done. We have an Australia tour, a New Zealand tour and many other things ahead,” Babu said.
A strong Asian Games campaign will not necessarily guarantee Joty’s continuation as captain, Babu added, pointing to wider concerns within the team.
“No. There are many shortcomings in the team. We have not been able to beat the bigger teams. We played well in the World Cup too but lost because of small mistakes. We are working to make the team stronger and more competitive,” he said.
The team’s batting remains another area of concern. Bangladesh scored 129, 114 and 103 while batting first in the Asia Cup before making 109 in the semi-final chase against India. Nasiruddin Shajib Faruque is currently the batting coach, but it remains unclear whether he will retain the role after the Asian Games.
The head coach Sarwar Imran’s position could also change, with BCB considering the position for David Hemp, according to a board source.
Hemp is speculated to take charge before Bangladesh’s upcoming series against Australia, although he has yet to sign a formal contract. An initial agreement could see him take charge for two years.
Hemp has previously worked with Bangladesh High Performance, the men’s national team as batting coach and the women’s side. He could now return as head coach.
Meanwhile, women’s team manager SM Golam Faiyaz’s position has also come under scrutiny following allegations from several players.
Faiyaz previously faced allegations of bullying and creating a faction within the team. He was among three officials made officers on special duty following former captain Jahanara Alam’s sexual harassment allegations, but was later reinstated.
Recently, emerging cricketer Ishma Tanzim accused Faiyaz of bullying after selectors did not consider her for the Emerging Women’s team camp following an alleged suicide attempt.
Faiyaz travelled with the team during the Asia Cup and is set to remain with the squad for the Asian Games.
Asked why he continues to accompany the team despite the allegations, Babu said the board would act if any complaint is proven.
“One thing I can assure you: if someone is proven guilty, we will not spare them. The safety of our women’s cricketers is our concern. We maintain zero tolerance on this issue, and if someone is found guilty, we will take strong and appropriate action,” Babu said.
However, Babu said the women’s wing has yet to receive any formal complaint against Faiyaz.“We have not officially received any complaint. If something like this comes across my desk, we will take steps, no doubt,” he said.
