The 15-member Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) team has been revealed for the forthcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host from September 30 to November 2. Rubya Haider Jhelik, an uncapped batswoman and wicketkeeper, is called up for the first time for the World Cup.
Rubya has not yet appeared in the ODI format despite having played for Bangladesh in T20Is. But over the last six months, she has improved both behind the stumps and with the bat, which has persuaded selectors to give her an opportunity at the top level.
“Rubya has worked extremely hard to acquire her position. She has made remarkable progress in the past six months. “We think she’s a good choice as a backup opener and a reserve keeper,” BCB Women’s Wing chief selector Sazzad Ahmed Mansur stated, as reported by Cricbuzz.
In addition to Rubya, the final team also includes top-order batsman Sumaiya Akter and 17-year-old off-spinner Nishita Akter Nishi. They take the place of Ishma Tanjim, Jannatul Ferdous Sumona, and Dilara Akter Dola, respectively.
It is undoubtedly concerning to lose against the boys’ under-15 team: BCB
In the meantime, Bangladesh’s senior women’s team recently lost back-to-back matches to the country’s U-15 boys’ team in the ongoing Challenge Cup, which was a huge letdown for their training. After losing to the U-15 Red team by 87 runs, the women’s team lost to the Green side by 47 runs in a match that was shortened due to rain.
BCB administrators defended the choice to play the women’s squad against the boys’ team, pointing out that it gave them more competitive exposure than games against affiliate women’s teams who were inferior.
“Losing to an Under-15 boys team is surely alarming, and to be honest, other cricketing nations are way ahead compared to our women’s team,” a spokesperson for the BCB stated.
But skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, who will head the team once more, acknowledged that it would have been better to practise for international matches.
“A lot of work was put into it, but it would have been better if we had played an international match. It was not feasible due to the hectic schedules of other teams. Nevertheless, we are practicing using the best facilities available in Bangladesh, regardless of the facilities we are receiving. And how much we can put this into practice is what matters’, Nigar Sultana remarked.
Next month, the team will reassemble in Sylhet for a final nine-day camp that includes three practice matches at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium that are played day and night. Notably, Bangladesh launches its offensive against Pakistan in Colombo on October 2.
The Bangladeshi team for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup:
Farzana Haque, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sumaiya Akter, Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), and Nahida Akter (Vice-Captain)
India
