Women’s cricket in decline in Jashore despite national-level stars – The Daily Star

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Once a promising hub for women’s cricket, Jashore is now witnessing a gradual decline of the sport among female players. The district suffers from a lack of dedicated playgrounds, qualified female trainers, coaching centres, and basic facilities – all contributing to the fading dreams of aspiring women cricketers.
Yet Jashore’s legacy in Bangladesh’s women’s cricket remains impressive. Rubya Haider Jhelik, a dependable opening batter in the Women’s World Cup, hails from Arshingripur village in Chowgacha but grew up in the Kharki area of Jashore town.
Her record-breaking innings against Pakistan in the opening match of the World Cup drew national attention. Another proud product of the district, left-arm spinner Sanjida Akter Meghla, caught the eye with her spell against New Zealand, while off-spinner Sultana Khatun was named among the standbys for the same tournament.
Most of these players began their journeys through school cricket – a platform that has nearly disappeared. With no regular school competitions or local tournaments, opportunities for young girls to play the sport have sharply diminished.
The roots of women’s cricket in Jashore date back to 2008, when the Clemon Achia Cricket Institute officially began training female players. In 2012, Jashore’s women’s team became regional champions in the BCB-organised Inter-District Cricket Tournament. However, the momentum gradually faded as matches became irregular, and the COVID-19 pandemic later brought activities to a standstill.
Former district team captain Sabrina Akter Zeba, who also represented Jashore Science and Technology University and the National Cricket League, highlighted both social and structural barriers. “Many parents still hesitate to send their daughters to cricket practice, fearing social criticism. Even those who wish to play face difficulties – there’s no field, no female coach, and no structured training,” she said.
National team all-rounder Sultana Khatun, who has played 32 international matches across formats, echoed similar concerns. “Most of us started playing at school. That system no longer exists. We trained at the Clemon Achia Cricket Institute, but real progress came only after moving to Dhaka, where we had access to better facilities and coaching,” she said.
Coach Ehsanul Haque Suman, head of the Clemon Achia Cricket Institute, said, “At one stage, we had over 20 female trainees. The main problem is the lack of grounds and opportunities to compete. Safety and financial investment also remain major issues.”
Bangladesh Cricket Board district coach Azimul Haque admitted the problem is nationwide. “The BCB must revive inter-district and school-level tournaments. That’s how women’s cricket can return to the grassroots,” he said.
Despite producing international stars, Jashore’s women’s cricket now stands at a crossroads, a reminder that talent alone is not enough without the infrastructure, investment, and societal support to sustain it.
Deputy Commissioner of Jashore and president of the District Sports Association, Md Azharul Islam, acknowledged the challenges. “There is currently no separate stadium for women cricketers. However, the existing stadium is being renovated and divided into two sections so that women can also practise and play there,” he added.
ঘূর্ণিঝড় ‘ফাং-ওয়ং’ সুপার টাইফুনে পরিণত হওয়ায় ফিলিপাইনের পূর্ব ও উত্তরাঞ্চল থেকে ১ লাখের বেশি মানুষকে সরিয়ে নেওয়া হয়েছে।

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